Winning Wades

J's World, by Jeremiah Bartz

What is it about the name Wade?

In state championship events in each of the last two weeks a Wade has dominated -- stolen the spotlight.

They compete for two different sports, in two different schools. One has a first name of Wade, the other has the last.

On Feb. 7, Wasilla High School senior Jed Wade won his fourth state wrestling title in four years, a feat only accomplished twice before in the state of Alaska. He was named outstanding wrestler of the tournament and won his 169th career match, a state record.

The following Saturday, Wade Williams, a Houston High School junior, scored seven goals to lead the Hawks to a 9-5 victory over Delta in the 3A state hockey championship.

Each Wade's accomplishments are remarkable and even a bit unbelieveable. Even more so, because they occurred in the top event of their respective sport.

For the last four years Jed Wade has dominated the Alaska wrestling scene. Watching a Wade match is much like watching a wrestling machine at work. Even if spectators never expected Wade to fall this season, there were still more than 40 opportunities to knock the Warrior senior off his throne. The end result was a fourth state title, something as rare as seven goals in a state championship hockey game.

Watching Wade Williams is also like watching a machine at work. He constantly skates up and down the ice, like he is allowed to move at a different speed than everyone else. With a rate of acceleration that bogs the mind, opposing teams wish a lasso was legal on the ice, to help slow down the speedy forward. Williams moved the puck up and down the ice against Delta, just as if he was toying with a kid sister. Teasing the competition, before burying the puck. And 36 regular season assists, prove he is not just a hot dog on the ice.

Two Wades, in two sports. They share one quality -- unbelievable ability.