by Thurman Jack
Kotzebue, Alaska – Unalakleet Schools made a strong showing at the Bush Brawl wrestling tournament, finishing fourth overall, out of 18 teams, with 132.5 points in a field dominated by larger programs.
Homer High School clinched the team title with 303.5 points, followed by Nome (226.0) and Kotzebue (224.5). Unalakleet had the highest score of the small schools there.
Despite the smaller roster, Unalakleet’s wrestlers delivered standout performances, including two individual champions and strong finishes across several weight classes.
Lincoln and Ivanoff Lead the Charge
At 103 pounds, Bradley Lincoln captured the championship. Lincoln’s path to victory included a quick fall in the second round and a technical fall (17-0) in the finals over Leo Akeya of Savoonga.
At 160-pounds, wrestling in one of the toughest brackets, Micah Ivanoff delivered a stellar performance, first beating Christopher Smith (OTZ), last year’s Region 1 North 135lb champion, 7-0. Then he beat Talon Johnson (OME) 4-0. In a rematch against Landyn Woods of Homer—who had defeated Micah a month earlier and placed 2nd at the MCCA tournament—Ivanoff won by decision, 9-3, avenging the loss and winning the 160lb bracket.
At 112 pounds, Dane Johnson fought his way to a third-place finish. Conor Doty (119 pounds) also claimed third place.
Wrestling at 140 pounds, Oliver Ivanoff finished third. Ivanoff ended his tournament with a fall victory over Rowen Davis of Kotzebue in 1:19.
At 145 pounds, newcomer Paxson Commack impressed with a third-place finish. Commack capped his tournament by pinning teammate Teyler Johnson in the 3rd Place Match. Commack plans to wrestle at 140 pounds the rest of the season.
Heavyweight newcomer Chase Doty showed grit in his first tournament appearance, placing fourth at 285 pounds.
