The Vashon wrestling team made the long cross-state trip to the prestigious Tri-State Tournament in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Dec. 19 and 20.  This year, a record 10 grapplers competed for the Pirates in the massive tournament.

Shane Williams, Hunter Burger, Luke Larson, Chase Wickman, Chester Pruett, Logan Nelson, Preston Petersen, Ellis Petersen, Franklin Easton and Joe Coller all competed in the marathon 14-hour day one of wrestling.  The Pirates fared well with many wrestlers winning at least one match, which at this tournament is no small feat. The brackets are huge, with over 40 entrants in some weight classes. The wrestlers who are invited are the best of the best in the Pacific Northwest.

Winning all their matches on day one were juniors Chase Wickman and Logan Nelson. Freshmen Hunter Burger and Luke Larson fared well, each advancing to day two. Junior Chester Pruett lost his first match and  won the next two battles before losing his fourth bout. Preston Petersen and Franklin Easton each won a match.  Easton wrestled with the added handicap of the infamous Hannibal Lecter mask to protect a fractured nose suffered in practice earlier in the week.

An early publication deadline loomed before wrestling continued on Saturday, but a recap will follow next week.

Next on tap for the wrestling community will be the large Rock Tournament at Vashon High School on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Fifteen teams from around the state will be on hand for a full day of wrestling.  The continuous action will kick off at 9 a.m., with the finals starting at approximately 5 p.m.

— Cheryl Pruett is the mother of a Pirate wrestler.