For the second consecutive year, the Kelso Hilanders walked away with the Class 4A District 4 wrestling team title.
And for the second consecutive year, Heritage had more district champions.
The Timberwolves went 5 for 5 in the finals Saturday in their home gym as wrestlers from the 4A Greater St. Helens League qualified for next week’s regional tournament.
“Kelso is stacked with good athletes in all the weights,” said Kyle Walker, a senior from Heritage who won at 140 pounds. “We have athletes with heart and athletes who are willing to work.”
Evergreen, too, had a strong showing. The Plainsmen finished second to the Hilanders in the team standings and tied Kelso with three champions apiece.
“We definitely have a lot of talent on the team this year,” said Evergreen’s Kyle Cahoon, who won at 171 pounds. “We don’t have the depth that Kelso has, but it’s great to have all our guys wrestling so good.”
Kelso advanced nine to the finals — including four in two weight classes — and rolled up 366 points. Evergreen was second with 323.5, and Heritage took third at 255.
Cody Wood of Heritage completed his high school career perfect at district tournaments, winning his fourth consecutive title. He also appreciated the competition from Kelso the past two years. After moving up to Class 4A program in the 2008-09 season, Kelso will return to the 3A ranks next season.
“It’s amazing. To win as a freshman was awesome. But competing against Kelso the past two years just makes it a lot better,” Wood said.
Austin Fraizer won his second title in a row, with a pin in the 119-pound finals.
“I train to pin. I do everything I can so I can compete at the highest level,” he said.
Dean Rogers, who won at 215 pounds last year, feels a lot better about winning in the heavyweight class this year.
“I dropped from 247 to 215 last year,” he said. “I’m much happier now.”
Senior Durant Fish won a district title for the first time, taking the title at 135 pounds. His older brother, Brody, also won a title for Heritage.
“I’m proud to call myself a district champion,” he said.
Evergreen’s Michael Nguyen got the night started with a championship in the 103-pound class. After finishing second last year in this event, he left no doubt this year.
“It’s like eating paper when you finish second,” he said. “When you win first, it’s like eating everything you love to eat. Cake. Ice cream. Chocolate.”
Tim Peraza of Evergeen, a former Mountain View wrestler, dedicated his 215-pound championship to former Thunder wrestler Jacob Garza, who died Monday at the age of 21.
“I started wrestling because of him,” Peraza said.
Mountain View had two champions, including a newcomer to Vancouver.
“It’s an exciting moment for me. I’m very happy,” said 160-pound champion Terrell Henderson, who moved from Oregon for his senior year.
Ethan Cobb won his third district title and second in a row, taking the 152-pound title.
“It’s another step going to state. That’s when it really counts,” he said. “I placed seventh in state last year. I just want to do better than that.”
Battle Ground’s Dean Hancock claimed the 189-pound championship.
“It feels like I’m getting closer and closer to achieving my goal (of placing at at state),” he said.
Riley Miller (112 pounds), Joey Tagliarino (130) and Justin Sitch (145) won titles for Kelso.
