NOOKSACK VALLEY
PIONEERS
Coach: Chad Parson
Last year: Finished first in the Class 1A NWC standings and tied for eighth overall with a 2-4 conference record. ... Placed second at the 1A Regional Tournament and advanced seven wrestlers to state. ... Finished 28th at the state tournament with 19 points and had Tanner Klemann place sixth at 120.
Wrestlers to watch: Tyler Warner (Sr., 152); Jesse O'Bryan (Sr., 160); Taylor Gardner (So., 126); Kalub Ames-Cude (Fr., 152); Paul Newell (Jr., 120); Hunter Whittern (So., 132)
Outlook: Coach Chad Parson has told his team from day one to not focus on getting to state. Instead, he wants his Pioneers to concentrate on placing at the Mat Classic. It's easy to see why. Only one of Nooksack Valley's seven state competitors placed last year, and that one, Tanner Klemann, is out for the year with a broken ankle. The good news is state wrestlers Tyler Warner (152), Jesse O'Bryan (160), Hunter Whittern (132) and Taylor Gardner (126) are back and, with another year to train, figure to be in the mix to place this time around. "There has been a real change in the atmosphere in the wrestling room this year," Parson said in a phone interview. "If I could sum it up in one word, I would say tenacity." Parson said his team is well-rounded from top to bottom. Kalub Ames-Cude is a freshman, who could be a force in years to come, and Paul Newell is a steady middleweight who is stong entry in any dual meet or tournament.
2012-13 SCHEDULE
Nov. 29 Anacortes* 7 p.m.
Dec. 1 at George Yonlick Tournament 10 a.m.
Dec. 8 at Iron Sharpens Iron 9 a.m.
Dec. 15 at Graham Morin Invite 10 a.m.
Dec. 19 at Mount Baker/Justin Compton Invite 9 a.m.
Dec. 29 at Graham Kapsowin Invite 9 a.m.
Jan. 5 at Cascade Christian Invite 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 9 at Blaine* 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 12 at NWC Tournament 10 a.m.
Jan. 16 at Bellingham* 7 p.m.
Jan. 19 Dream Duals 8 a.m.
Jan. 23 Lynden* 7 p.m.
Jan. 28 at Friday Harbor TBD
Jan. 30 Lynden 2:30 p.m.
*NWC match
Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.
