The question of why it took Bainbridge High School 35 years to win its first wrestling championship is somewhat baffling.
Granted, they are no longer in the now-defunct Olympic League, where 4A powers Central Kitsap and Olympic were just too dominant, or the WESCO, where rural schools in the later ‘80s and ‘90s, such as Lake Stevens and Sedro Woolley took their “rasslin’” very seriously.
And yes, Metro – with its strong emphasis on a certain winter sport played with a ball – has never been known as a wrestling league, rarely having an individual or team place at State.
But the change in league alone doesn’t explain the Spartans’ meteoric rise. The real cause lies in the dedication of the squad’s six seniors.
A diverse group in size, strength, style and personality, they have come together to form perhaps the most formidable team in Spartan history.
Certainly their abilities have been nurtured by veteran head coach Steve Hohl, a father-figure to his charges. And assistants Britton Johnson and Danny Pippinger have brought youth and enthusiasm to the somewhat repetitive daily practices.
But the seniors have worked hard, and improved dramatically over their high school careers – hitting the weight room, improving their diets and attending summer camps to hone their skills.
Team heavies
Heading up this elite group are Peter Mandell and Nick McCallum, who both went to State last year as juniors.
Mandell, who wrestles at 189 pounds, was a star on the football team this fall, playing both offensive and defensive line. Tall and lanky, he has learned to use leverage to his advantage, pinning his opponents in over half of his 24 matches.
Despite his exceptional record, he is a No. 2 seed in this weekend’s Metro Championship tournament because of a late season loss to West Seattle’s Beau Maples, source of a heated but healthy rivalry over the past two seasons.
McCallum (215) went 25-5, and earned a No. 1 seed, with much of the credit going to refining his techniques and working closely with coach Johnson. He has also taken his role as one of the tri-captains very seriously, becoming a role model for the young athletes.
An example of this leadership and maturity occurred in last weekend’s Cross Sound Shoot-Out.
“He made a mistake and lost to a guy from (Port Angeles) whom he should have beaten,” said Hohl. “In the past he probably would have gotten (him)…down, but not now.
“He came back with two pins in a row over excellent competition to show ‘he’s the man’.”
Big strides
At the other end of the weight spectrum are Stevie Devine (103) and Alonso Valenzuela (112), both seeded as 1’s this weekend.
“Stevie’s development has been a marvel, especially in the areas of self-esteem and pride,” Hohl said.
In his first two campaigns, Devine, weighing between 85 and 90 pounds, was constantly pummeled by his opponents. And some of his mat mannerisms were downright comical. But no one’s laughing now, as he has won 21 of his 28 matches so far in ‘03.
Valenzuela and his family came to Bainbridge Island four years ago from San Felipe, Mexico, sponsored by a local church. He spoke no English, finding school nearly impossible.
But he had wrestling, along with strong family ties, helping him assimilate into high school activities.
“Academically, socially, in all aspects of his life, he has made tremendous strides,” Hohl said. “He really seems to be enjoying his senior year.”
Throttle up
In the middle weights are the last two seniors, Dan Bachen (152) and Justin Thorpe (160). Bachen, a part-time varsity performer for three years, has finally emerged as a threat this year. Described by his coaches as “not flashy” and “blue collar,” Dan has used hard work and discipline to go 18-12 and get a No. 3 seed.
Thorpe, the least experienced of the sextet, is in his second year. Improving his techinques and reacting more decisively on the mat, Justin has developed late in the season, going 9-4 since the winter break. This second half surge garnered him a No. 2 seed.
Coach Hohl said he would be surprised “if all six didn’t advance to the Regionals next weekend.” To continue on to State, though, with Pierce and Seamount League powerhouses White River, Clover Park, and No. 9-ranked Peninsula standing in the way, it will take “excellent efforts, good seeding and a little luck” for the Spartan senior contigency to advance en masse.
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The Spartans competed yesterday in the preliminaries of the Metro League qualifying tournament, with final rounds beginning 10 a.m. today at Nathan Hale.
In addition to the six seniors, Bainbridge was ranked 1-4 in seven of the eight other weights. Seeded No. 1 is sophomore Zach Smith (125), who has a good chance to make his first appearance at State.
No. 2 seeds are John-Michael King (130) and Billy Thomas (171). Brian Robert (119) and Angelo Ritualo are No. 3 seeds; 4s are Corey Guy (140) and Curtis Nelsen (145).
