By Roy Pablo, Tulalip News Guest Writer
Marysville Pilchuck High School made a great showing at the District Wrestling Tournament this past weekend. The tournament was held at Stanwood High School on Friday and Saturday and is sending 10 wrestlers on to districts.
There were two first place winners, Ishmael Perez in the 195lb. weight class and Drew Hatch in the 160lb. weight class. Two second place winners, with Killian Page at 145lbs and Ryan Daurie at 126lbs. Jacob Green 120lbs, Iggy Gabov 220lbs, and Jory Cooper 285lbs all placed 3rd and Johnathon Neuman 106 lbs took 4th. Jake Merrick 182lbs and Sam Foss 106lbs advance as alternates. Tony Hatch was also honored at this event with the Assistant Coach of the Year award.
Ishmael Perez, a senior this year, said, “I am really pumped to go on to regionals, and really excited about taking first. I worked really hard in High school and I am glad the work paid off. This is my last chance so I really hope I make it to state. “ Ishmael pinned his opponent from Stanwood in the second round.
Drew Hatch also took first and dominated his opponent Josh Crebbin from Oak Harbor, pinning him in the second round. “I was really excited and it was a great feeling after pinning Josh in the finals. I guess it was especially cool because my Dad got that award for all of his hard work with the team,” said Drew.
Tony Hatch thinks his son’s win is much more exciting than the award, but is still incredibly honored.
When asked Tony to share his feelings about the nomination and the award Tony had this to say, “Being selected Wesco North 3A Assistant Coach of the year is very humbling. I just believe that this sport teaches kids very important life lessons, and that is why I have pushed my kids, nephews and other Tulalip kids to stay with it. I have always tried to coach kids that being a classy champion is so much better than an arrogant champion, and that an athlete’s character is being judged at all times. Even if we lose, we have to learn to lose like champions, but the next time we meet, the outcome will be different.”
“These kinds of teachings and philosophies have brought the kids that we coach to a whole different level,” continued Tony. “I am glad the other coaches have noticed the job that we have done with our athletes. I was surprised to see that my name had been nominated for Assistant Coach of the Year, but to see that the Wesco Coaches voted me Wesco North Coach of the Year was pretty cool. I am honored and kind of humbled that they think of me like this.”
Marysville Pilchuck High School has the honor of hosting the 3A Wesco Regionals this Saturday February 9th. They hope to send all 10 of their wrestlers on to the WIAA Mat Classic State Championship at the Tacoma Dome February 15th and 16th. They had three state placers last year and hope to at least double that figure.