by MICHAEL DASHIELL

Sequim Gazette

North Mason and Klahowya may be the class of this Olympic League, but Sequim’s Wolves aren’t going quietly.

In a pair of key dual meets heading toward the postseason, an injury-depleted Sequim squad picked up a win at North Kitsap on Jan. 19 and nearly knocked off No. 6 North Mason on Jan. 20.

Against NK’s Vikings, Sequim got four pins, four forfeit victories and a key 10-5 decision from 189-pounder Jack Wiker — who was filling in for starter Chris Falkey — to topple North Kitsap, 51-30.

At 130 pounds, the Wolves’ Austin Middleton pinned Viking Mike Sedy in the first round. Filling for Derek Fruin, Sequim’s Luke Mooney pinned NK’s Jalen Carlson in 90 seconds.

Cody Field picked up a pin at 145 pounds, downing Will Read in one minute, 21 seconds.

Lopaka Yasumura picked up a win at 160 pounds, pinning Augie Piehl in 1:25.

Royhon Agostine (103 pounds), Dorian Halverson (152), Emilio Perete-Colin (215) and Clay Charley (285) each picked up forfeit wins.

Lightweight Bulldogs save the day

The Wolves had their paws full early, as host North Mason won the first six weight classes for a 33-0 lead, but Sequim bounced back by winning six of the next eight matches in a 45-31 loss.

“We were only two wins away from coming out on top in this one,” Sequim coach Len Borchers said.

With starters Falkey, Fruin and Dakota Hinton on the bench, Sequim still managed pins at 140, 145 and 215 pounds.

One of Sequim’s bright spots was Winston Babb, who had lost to Bulldog Jacob Coffelt in their three previous match-ups. Down 4-1, Babb reversed on Coffelt and scored a fall with about 25 seconds left in the second period.

Field (145 pounds) and Perete-Colin (215) each won by pin while Yasumura (160) and Wiker (189) each won by decision.

Looking ahead

Sequim hosts Port Townsend and Bremerton tonight, Jan. 26, in the squad’s final home meet. Junior varsity wrestlers see action at 6 p.m., while varsity is at 7 p.m.

The 2A sub-regional/sub-district tournament is Feb. 4-5 at Port Angeles High School. Top grapplers advance to the West Central District 2A tournament.

Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.