The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG-Jake Winona has forty-one registered wrestlers in his fifth year as head coach of the Mat Birds wrestling team. Stef Parrish is in her first year as league rep and states that the Mat Birds have been operating under the Washington Little Guy Wrestling League since 2007. The league promotes youth athleticism and community involvement.

The Mat Birds club is for boys and girls ages five to fourteen, with integrated practice as a group. Many wrestlers remain with the club after age fourteen to help coach younger wrestlers. The dedication of the wrestlers and the love of the sport from community members keep the club alive.

Parrish acknowledged that there had been a significant resurgence in the popularity of the sport of wrestling in recent years. Girl wrestling has been one of the fastest-climbing sports in the nation.

The Mat Birds' first tournament will be in Colfax on Saturday, March 11. Assisting Coach Winona at practices and tournaments are Jason Taylor, Charlie Barron, Caleb Barron, Rob Parrish, Curtis Winona, and Monte Richie. 

Registration is closed for this season, and Parrish hopes to hold a day camp before next season for those considering the sport.

Donations are welcome for continued operation of the club, said Parrish.