The Mercer Island wrestling team went through a transition season in 2005-2006. Creighton Laughary took over for longtime head coach Paul Jackson. The team had just one senior and a litany of talent with no experience. This was supposed to be the year when the team moved back into contention for a 3A KingCo title that it won in 2005 and 2004.
But with injuries, wrestlers moving away and just one senior, the team will have to work hard to return to the top of KingCo.
“We have a great middle school program that is really starting to show at this level,” said Laughary. “Our goal is to compete for the KingCo title.”
The middle school program gives the Islanders a distinct advantage. Most wrestlers see the mat for the first time during their freshman year of high school. Nearly half of the freshman for Mercer Island already have multiple years of experience.
“We will give some younger guys a chance and we hope that the (junior varsity wrestlers) can step up and compete,” said Laughary.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Islanders have just one senior again this season, Greg Jones, who would wrestle at 125 pounds. Jones enters the season injured but Laughary hopes that he will be ready for the KingCo meet. Tim Wettack, another senior, was set to wrestle in his final year at Mercer Island but injured his knee playing football for the Islanders and will miss the entire season.
On the mat the Islanders will be led by two state competitors from last season who compete at the opposite ends of the weight scale.
Junior Alex Faith has gone from winning big matches his freshman year to becoming one of the most successful wrestlers on the team. Taking on a bigger leadership role within the team is right where Faith wants to be. Faith also moves from the 103-pound weight class where he started the season in 2005 to 119 pounds.
“This is a really big rebuilding year but we have a strong core group,” said Faith. “I am really positive we can have a great year. My first goal is to return as the KingCo champion.”
Islander junior Chris Pothoven hasn’t moved up a weight class but his physical stature is much greater than last season. Pothoven doesn’t look like the tall lanky kid who competed at state last year. He is closer to the 215-pound cutoff for his weight class, has put on a lot more muscle and says he is ready to get back to the Mat Classic.
“It was great to place at state last year and I want to get back there but we have a lot to take care of between now and then,” said Pothoven. “Another year of experience means you don’t have to think as much, just react.”
One of Pothoven’s goals is to defeat Dex Moetului of Mount Si.
“I have been dying to beat him since middle school,” said Pothoven.
Junior Chris Fricke-Yang also brings experience to the mat for Mercer Island and will be the team’s starter at 112 pounds.
Despite the lineup returning to the mat, Laughary said that the team makes up for it in work ethic.
“Every practice they work whistle to whistle, not one is taking drills off and they all are pushing each other,” said Laughary. “That is always rewarding to see as a coach.
“The nice thing is that we never have to build from no experience and all the guys want to be here.”
As for winning the KingCo title: “Yes it is a goal, but we have goals that we set for that day. If we work hard and attain those goals the league title will take care of itself.”
The KingCo title for the Islanders may come down to the first meet of the season as they host powerhouse Mount Si tonight at 6 p.m. The Islanders will get another shot at the Wildcats January 18.
Head coach: Creighton Laughary (Second year as head coach, five as an assistant)
Assistant coaches: Clay Laughary and Lee Jahncke (MIHS grad)
Last year’s record: 5-2 in 3A KingCo, third in KingCo.
Top returning athletes: Alex Faith, (Jr. — 119); Chris Fricke-Yang (Jr. — 112); Greg Jones – Injury (Sr. — 125); Tim Wettack – injury (Sr. — 171); Chris Pothoven (Jr. — 215).
Key athletes not on the team from last year: Aaron Agnew (Sr. — 145); Andreas Plackis – transfer (Jr. — 160).
Key newcomers to the team: Too early to tell.
Key meets: Newport, Issaquah and Mount Si.
First meet: 6 p.m. tonight at Mercer Island High School vs. Mount Si
