The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

SPANGLE - Predictions came true for Cardinal wrestling coach Lanny Adams who expected several of his athletes to medal at their first tournament on Dec. 12 in Spangle. Waitsburg placed third as a team with David Just bringing home a first place medal, and Carlos Norris and Ky Adams taking third.

Just walked away with the champion title in the 138 class after winning with a 6-3 decision against Sam Parkman (Hanford) and a 10-0 decision against Freedom Struthers (Newport). He wrestled Jared Shahan (Hanford) for first/second standing, pinning him in 1:09.

Eight-grade wrestler, Norris, earned his first high school medal, placing third in the 113 class. Norris won his very first high school match, pinning Garrett Phillips (Colfax) in 1:01 in the first round but was pinned by Randy Dixon ( Mary Walker) at 3:28 in the first round of his second match. Norris pinned Billy Smith (Cheney) in :52 and beat Garrett Phillips (Colfax) in :31 for the third/fourth place win.

Ky Adams also brought home a third place medal in the 145 class. Ky pinned Merie Mekley (Selkirk) in the second round and pinned Kaleb Brown (St. Maries) in 1:15. Ky was pinned by Travis Knauff (Gar-Pal) in 4:40 before pinning Louis Were (Hanford in 1:10 and jake Hanson (Hanford) in 1:28.

“Ky wrestled his first two matches very smart and executed his moves flawlessly,” Adams said.

Joe Larue (152), Joe Adams (170), and Tyler Hoffman (185) placed fourth in their classes.

“Joe (Larue) wrestled very well today. This is his first year back on the mat in a couple of years. With a couple more tournaments under his belt, he’ll be back on the podium. Joe (Adams) had some tough competition including two past state placers,” Adams said.

Adams said Devin Newman wrestled hard and came in with a fire lit in him, even though he failed to place. “It was nice to see that fire back in him,” Adams said.