by Tommy Wells
The Bethel Regional High School Junior High School wrestling team turned in a solid outing this past weekend at the Napaskiak Invitational Wrestling Tournament. The BJHRS grapplers won four gold and seven silver medals in the meet, which was held on Friday-Saturday.
Paul Dyment nailed down Bethel’s first medal, taking top honors in the 100-pound weight classification. He went 3-0 in the tournament including a win over teammate Aaron Mute in the finals. He opened the meet with back-to-back wins over Tyson Nicholai and Jarrett Nicholai.
Ellis Johnson, Isabel Lieb and Tyler Laraux also picked up golds. Johnson won the 120-pound title. After posting wins over Napaskiak’s Melvin Andrew and Gladys Jung’s Josiah Swope, he moved into the finals to face off with teammate Brienna Henry.
Henry and Tiffany Laraux finished second and fourth, respectively, in the division. Swope was third.
Lieb edged out teammate Anna Avalos for the 130-pound title, while Laraux wrestled his way past John Brink of Gladys Jung to net the 135-pound crown.
Axel Madson went 2-1 during the tournament and placed second in the junior high 95-pound division. Jordan Klejka also wrestled in the class.
Jerry Evan also notched a second-place finish. He made his way to the finals of the 105-pound ranks before falling to Glady Jung standout Matthew Chagluak.
Payton Boney was third in the final standings by downing Napakiak’s Torian Dull in the bronze-medal match.
Elliot Gill also competed in the 105-pound class.
Maya Komulainen edged out Quinhagak’s Carl Small for third in the 110-pound standings.
Also competing in the tournament were Zelia Avalos, Trinity Geerdts, Kendal Herron and Ciera Harpak.
Brienna Henry and Beth Hensley both medaled in the varsity division. Henry finished second in the 145-pound ranks. Hensley was third in the 130-pound standings.
For Gladys Jung Wrestlers, Jackson Iverson (70), Ethan Wheeler (90), Matthew Chagluak (105), and Zahcory Jacobs-McDonald (170) all won gold medals in their brackets.
The Napaskiak Hawks host team also won top place medals. Gold medal recipients include Golga Egoak (65), Matthias Gilila (80), and Nelson Egoak (110).
For Nunapitchuk gold medals were won by Evan Andrew (85) and Garret Nicholai (95). Ashton Charlie (75) won the lone gold for his team, Napakiak.
Napaskiak Wrestling Tournament Team Results
1 Bethel Jr. High, 70.0
2 Napaskiak, 66.5
3 Gladys Jung Elem., 66.0
4 Nunapitchuk , 66.0
5 Napakiak, 32.0
6 Quinhagak, 27.0