Prior to the winter break, Mercer Island lost to Interlake because of injuries and defections in personnel. But thanks to some help within the KingCo. division and two victories last week, the Islanders are back on top of the division.
“We have to run the table, which won’t be easy,” said Mercer Island coach Creighton Laughary. “But we have some fabulous practices over the break with 20 or so wrestlers. We are gaining some unstoppable momentum.”
That momentum also included a big victory against Liberty, 42-27, on Jan. 8. The win put Mercer Island back on the track and prevented a hangover from the Interlake match.
“It’s always a concern,” said Laughary. “But our seniors are strong. Most have been on varsity for three years. They wouldn’t let this team have a hangover.”
That leadership came out on the mat and on the scoreboard as four of the seven seniors picked up victories against the Patriots and Bellevue, 57-15. Both matches were very dangerous as Mercer Island was giving up forfeits in the 103 and 112 weight classes, a 12-point swing.
“When you have a team that fills the lineup better than you, it’s not really a lesser team,” said Laughary.
But maybe the most impressive run last week came by the wrestlers with the most big-match experience, Alex Faith (125 pounds) and Chris Pothoven (215).
The senior wrestlers won all their matches by pin fall, a big momentum swing for Pothoven, who lost against Interlake.
Eight athletes came away with two victories during the two meets, including Faith, Pothoven, David Bowman, Austin Frazier, Jake Frazier, Graham Horgdal, Colton Knebel and Tanner Linton. For Linton, it was his first KingCo action since returning from injury. The victories for Knebel, a freshman, bode well for the team’s future.
“Liberty is a well coached team with big numbers of kids and a great middle school program,” said Laughary. “That was a big win.”
As for the forfeits, Laughary said that Nick Radow joined the team late and could fill the 112 slot as soon as he gets in enough practices.
Kyle Shannafelt (103) is still recovering from a fractured hand but hopes to return for the KingCo meet.
“It is a big concern moving forward,” said Laughary. “It’s hard to win when you give up two matches.”
The Islanders’ quest for the KingCo title is still in the forefront of their minds. A T-shirt with a check list hangs in the wrestling room at MIHS. Liberty is checked off, but Mount Si and Newport still loom large. The meets will come back-to-back at the end of the season. As for Issaquah, the Islanders have defeated the only other one-loss team. The Mercer Island wrestlers know that if they keep winning, the Eagles are an after-thought.
“We just have to keep winning,” said Laughary. “That is it.”
