Prep wrestling: Warriors aim to stay on top

Jan. 23, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/ Frontiersman

WASILLA - The Wasilla Warriors wrestling team knows a little something about winning state titles.

In fact, no current Warrior has ever been part of a team that didn't win a title, with Wasilla taking home top honors in 2004, 2005 and again last year.

But a fourth straight title for Wasilla this season is far from a certainty. In fact, the Warriors won't even be the favorites when the state tournament gets underway Feb. 2 at Chugiak High School.

And based on this year's tournament results, as many as six other top teams - Colony, South Anchorage, Chugiak, Kodiak, Lathrop and Juneau-Douglas - could have a legitimate shot at winning the overall crown.

So is this the year Wasilla's streak will finally be broken? Don't be so sure.

Wasilla made a statement in their final home dual meet of the season, handing Chugiak its first head-to-head loss of the season. And with an experienced lineup that includes several returning state placewinners, Wasilla likely will be right in the mix come tourney time.

&#8220It's not impossible,” Wasilla head coach Shawn Hayes said following the dual win. &#8220Whoever wins the state tournament, it's going to be close.”

Indeed, no team this year is the clear favorite, meaning a perfect performance by Wasilla could just enable them to squeak out another title.

&#8220It definitely won't be handed to us,” said Wasilla 140-pounder Duane Carpenter. &#8220We're going to have to work really hard.”

Carpenter and two-time state champion Alan Bartelli will headline a group of five returning Warriors who placed at state last year.

But the key to winning state this time around won't be Wasilla's stars. Instead, Hayes said the meet likely will be decided by how deep into the brackets his other wrestlers can go.

&#8220If a couple step up it could make all the difference,” he said.

Wasilla's wrestlers and coaches acknowledge this year's team isn't as deep as last year's.

&#8220I know we're not as strong a team as last year,” Carpenter said.

Still, the senior with two second-place finishes to his name said he believes the Warriors have a legitimate shot at another title.

&#8220Everybody has the same shot at it,” he said.

Carpenter said the key will be for the team to build its focus through this weekend's Region III tournament, and stressed that it will take a total team effort to make a run.

&#8220We need the perfect mindset, a perfect tournament,” he said.

Wasilla has finished in the top four teams at every Alaska tournament they've entered this season, posting team wins at the West Valley Invitational and the Jerry Palmer duals tournament at Service High earlier this year, where they beat South in the finals.

At West Valley, the Warriors edged Juneau and Lathrop for the team title by just a couple points, an indication of just how competitive the state meet will likely be.

Another factor that could bode well for Wasilla is their strength of schedule. Wasilla has competed at every top tournament in the state this year, something Hayes said he hopes will pay dividends in the end.

&#8220We go to all the big tournaments,” he said. &#8220Usually those tough matches pay off in the state tournament.”

However things shake out two weeks from now, Hayes said he's looking forward to what could be one of the most competitive state tournaments in years.

&#8220It's going to be tough,” he said. &#8220And it's going to be exciting.”

Contact Matt Tunseth at

352-2265.