Blackhawk wrestlers place in several weight classes
Cheney's Josh Wessels tries to get control of Reardan's Josey Anderson. Wessels wrestled Anderson in the finals of the 170-pound division at the Cheney Invitational, Jan. 4, winning by decision.
Josh Wessels had a chance at redemption.
He came onto the mat against Josey Anderson, of Reardan, who had defeated him the night before when Cheney traveled to Reardan for a meet against the Indians. After three rounds, Wessels defeated Anderson by decision, 14-5.
Wessels said it was a good tournament. He gave all glory to God for helping him capture the championship.
Wessels was one of several Blackhawk wrestlers who competed in the Blackhawk Invitational, held at Cheney High School, Saturday, Jan 4.
Wessels was not the only Blackhawk wrestler to make it to the finals of his weight division. Vern Sanderson faced Ian Cox, of Colville, in the finals of the 145-pound division tournament. Cox pinned Sanderson in the third round.
Prior to meeting Cox in the finals, Sanderson had wrestled hard throughout the tournament, including in his first match where he scored a pin in 18 seconds. Like Wessels, Sanderson faced Cox earlier in the season.
"He pinned me in the second round back then, but I lasted longer this time," Sanderson said. "I'm going to be working on things that will help me [against Cox]. I look forward to seeing him later this season."
In addition to Wessels and Sanderson, several other Cheney wrestlers placed at the Invitational.
Taylor Nguyen came in fourth at 106 pounds while Brady Wirth took fifth in the same division. Sam Hobbs came in sixth at 120 and Ryan Ward placed sixth at 152.
Skyler Seubert took sixth at 160 while Devon Waterman clinched third at 182 pounds. Kodi Smith took fourth at 195 while Michael Ferguson came in sixth in the same weight class. Jacob Nills placed fourth at 220.
Cheney placed fifth as a team at the Invitational with 128.5 points. Clarkston took first with 212 points.
Blackhawk wrestling head coach Brad Rasmussen mentioned that it had been a tough week for the team with several wrestlers being sick over winter break. He added that he was proud of the team for their performance at the Invitational.
"They showed a lot of heart in front of their hometown fans," Rasmussen said.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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