The North Olympic Middle School Wrestling season kicked off on Feb. 27. Its inaugural event, held at Port Townsend High School, included nearly 100 competitors from Forks, Port Angeles, Sequim, and  of course East Jefferson.

EJ Rivals Wrestlers competed in 53 matches through the evening, finishing with a 29-24 overall win/loss record. 

“This was another great showing by the kids in our community,” remarked Middle School Coach Joe Banks. “We have more kids on the team than ever before, and all of a sudden this season the girls are showing up in a big way.” 

EJ Middle School boys that finished the night with two wins each included Westley Jones, Key Matter-Williams, Athen Carpenter, Brayden Tuttle, and Dane Moore.  EJ Middle School girls that finished the night with two wins each included Leighton Dunn, Layla Grimm, Ruby Lehman, and Riley Eubanks. 

“There are five 6th graders that competed in their first middle school wrestling competition at this event; two of them earned their first wins,” said Coach Jim Wilcox. “Both Ayla Brayton and Angie Luckhurst worked extremely hard out on the mat and we are quite excited to help them develop more this season.”

The Team will compete Wednesday, March 5, at Stevens Middle School in Port Angeles. There are currently over 40 Middle School Athletes on the roster.  “I wish every single middle school athlete had the opportunity to experience this sport,” said Coach Cade Wilford.  “It’s amazing to see their eyes light up with excitement when kids earn their first win. The support they give one another as teammates is remarkable.”

Ryan White is a wrestling coach at Port Townsend High school.