Warriors host North-South Tourney

Twenty-four schools, including the top wrestling programs in the state, will converage on Wasilla High School this weekend for the annual North-South Wrestling Tournament.

With defending state champion West Valley and perennial powers such as Wasilla, Service and Skyview, the North-South Tourney is seen by many as a preview of the state tournament.

The two-day tourney will feature three defending state champions, Skyview's Eli Hutchinson, West Valley's David Weise and Wasilla's Jed Wade, and 39 place-winners from last year's state tourney.

Among the Valley wrestlers expected to contend for individual titles are Hollan Gravely (112), Dustin Killian (112) and Kyle Neuman (160) of Colony, Palmer's Zach Tomco (135), Trevor Pempek (145) and Willie Ratcliffe (171) and Wasilla's Chris Odom (135), Jake Wade (189), Jed Wade (215) and Jeremie Miesler (275).

Houston, a 3A program, will also compete in the predominately 4A tournament. The Hawks will be led by Blake Elder (119), Matt Gardner (130) and Chris Hanson (189) who each placed second in last weekend's Glennallen Invitational.

Wrestling starts today at 9 a.m. and continues tomorrow starting at 9 a.m.

The championship matches are slated to begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Palmer High School is also hosting a major junior varsity wrestling tournament this weekend. Over 20 schools are scheduled to attend.