Boys wrestlers hope to take down their competition

By Nicholas Zeller-Singh Kitsap News Group • November 18, 2022 1:30 am
File Photo North Kitsap’s Sofian Hammou will be the favorite to win another state title.
File Photo North Kitsap’s Sofian Hammou will be the favorite to win another state title.

BOYS WRESTLING

Bainbridge

Head coach: Dan Pippinger

Key returners: Seniors Wyatt Goade and Quentin Ikuse, and junior Wyatt Chabot

Outlook: The Spartans only graduated one wrestler. In addition, they had seven freshmen last year to reload their lineup. With their top wrestlers being upperclassmen and the depth filling out, the Spartans are in a good spot to improve.

Schedule: Dec. 14, 5 pm at Port Angeles; Dec. 16, Hammer Head Tournament at Kitsap County Fairgrounds; Jan. 11, 6 pm at Olympic; Jan. 21, River Ridge Rumble at River Ridge; Jan. 25, 7 pm at Bremerton

Bremerton

Head coach: Ty Michaelson

Key returners: Senior Thor Michaelson, juniors Lars Michaelson and Tanner Urrutia

Outlook: Bremerton’s wrestling team is a powerhouse. The Knights are led by the Michaelson brothers who came off a record performance at the UWW World Championships. In addition, the boys team returns two more state qualifiers and multiple district qualifiers.

Schedule: Dec. 14, 6 pm at Olympic; Jan. 11, 6 pm vs. Sequim and Port Angeles; Jan. 18, 6 pm at North Mason; Jan. 25, vs. Bainbridge and Kingston

Central Kitsap

Head coach: Mike Schmitt

Key returners: Seniors Quentin Lawrence and Conrad Bellon

Outlook: CK’s depth is minimal. Cougar Quentin Lawrence returns after a seventh-place finish in the 126-pound class at the 3A state tournament.

Schedule: Dec. 1, 7 pm at Peninsula; Dec. 8, 5 pm vs. North Thurston; Dec. 15, 7 pm at Gig Harbor; Dec. 16, Hammer Head Tournament at Kitsap County Fairgrounds; Jan. 5, 7 pm at River Ridge; Jan. 12, 5 pm vs. Timberline; Jan. 19, 7 pm at Yelm; Jan. 26, 7 pm at Capital

Kingston

Head coach: Casey Nelson

Key returner: Senior Jefferson Hernandez

Outlook: Kingston has built depth on its wrestling team. However, the Buccaneers are lacking wrestlers who can provide bonus points. Therefore, Kingston will be struggling to capture victories.

Schedule: Jan. 7, 10 am Battle of the Axe Tournament; Jan. 11, 5 pm vs. North Kitsap; Jan. 18, 5 pm at Port Angeles; Jan. 25, 7 pm at Bremerton

Klahowya

Head coach: Ed Hamblet

Key returners: Seniors Rider Stoner, Logan Wallis, Logan Weaver

Outlook: Klahowya returns several of its top wrestlers from their league championship team. In addition, half of the Eagles roster are underclassmen looking to crack into the lineup and gain experience for following seasons.

Schedule: Dec. 7, 5:30 pm at East Jefferson; Dec. 10, 10 am at La Center; Dec. 16, Hammer Head Tournament at Kitsap County Fairgrounds; Jan. 7, 10 am Battle of the Axe Tournament; Jan. 11, 6:15 pm vs. Vashon Island; Jan. 18, 6:15 pm vs. Cascade Christian; Jan. 21, 8 am at River Ridge Rumble

North Kitsap

Head coach: Robert Gomez

Key returners: Sofian Hammou, Wyatt Trogedon, Ben Gomez, Zakaria Hammou, Jesus Mares

Outlook: NK returns all of its state qualifiers. The Hammou brothers could be one of the best brother combos in Kitsap County. Senior Sofian is coming fresh off a state title in the 220-pound class while sophomore Zakaria reached the 2A finals in the 170-pound class. The Viking stars can carry them far.

Schedule: Dec. 14, 7 pm at Olympic; Dec. 16, Hammer Head Tournament; Jan. 7, 10 am at Battle of the Axe Tournament; Jan. 11, 5 pm at Kingston; Jan. 25, 6 pm vs. Port Angeles; Jan. 25, 7 pm at Sequim

Olympic

Head coach: Tim Aiken

Key returners: None

Outlook: The Olympic Trojans were the only team in the county to not send a wrestler to state. In a league with some of the top wrestlers in the state, the Trojans will be fighting an uphill battle.

Schedule: Dec. 14, 7 pm vs. North Kitsap and Bremerton; Dec. 16, Hammer Head Tournament; Jan. 11, 7 pm vs. Bainbridge; Jan. 18, 5 pm at Port Angeles

South Kitsap

Head coach: Conner Hartmann

Key returners: Seniors Mitchell Neiner and Phillip Chobot, and junior Chase Eaglin

Outlook: SK dominated its league last season and sent a handful of wrestlers to state. Unfortunately, some of them graduated. On the bright side, the Wolves return two state champions in Neiner and Chobot. The Wolves will be tough to beat.

Schedule: Dec. 7, 7 pm at Bethel; Dec. 15, 7 pm at Emerald Ridge; Dec. 16, Hammer Head Tournament at Kitsap County Fairgrounds; Jan. 6, 7:30 pm vs. Puyallup; Jan. 12, 7 pm at Olympia; Jan. 14, 10am Lake Stevens Viking Invite and Cavelero Mid High; Jan. 18, 5 pm at Curtis; Jan. 20, 7 pm vs. Rogers; Jan. 26, 7 pm vs. Graham-Kapowsin