By Sarah Wehmann and Theresa De Lay
Staff Writers
Anthony Clarke is the head coach for both the boys and girls wrestling team. Clarke has been coaching wrestling for 17 years and has been the coach at Bonney Lake High School since they opened in 2005.
Last season, the Panthers finished eighth in state. And five of those who participated in state are returning, Clarke said.
Some varsity wrestlers this season are junior Carson Corbaley who finished seventh in state last year, sophomore Jordan Cozzi who was a state alternate in 2013, senior Colton Tracy who placed third, sophomore Avery Meyer who finished seventh in state last season, senior Caid Caveness who placed sixth in state, senior Cayle Williams who placed third in state in 2012, senior Chili Sabin who finished second last season and David Smith who was a regional participate.
Clarke mentioned Zach Koeller, Evan Dorsey, Jason Day and Caleb Davis are up and coming freshman to keep an eye on.
The boys team competed in a jamboree and the White River Classic Tournament on Dec. 4 and Dec. 7, no scores have been posted from those events.
Both the boys and girls next meet is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Enumclaw High School.
The Sumner boys wrestling team began its fourth season with coach Matt Harshman on a positive note, beating Clover Park 66-11.
Last season, the Spartans ended with a 5-2 league record.
The team has two returning state placers, Travis Filleau (132) and Jed Schliesman (160).
We have a strong junior class with wrestlers who are ready to compete at the state level, Harshman said.
“Our sophomore class is (also) very talented and there is a great group of Freshman this year,” he said.
The Spartans will face Franklin Pierce in an away meet at 6 p.m. Thursday.
Jay Paulson is returning as the Bonney Lake Panthers boys swim and dive coach.
Paulson has been coaching swim and dive for 25 years and has been both coaching and teaching at Bonney Lake since it opened in 2005.
Last season, the Panthers “finished about middle of the pack,” he said.
At the end of the year, Bonney Lake had broken four varsity records and had individual swimmers, a diver and relay teams place in the district meet, he added.
Taking the lead as senior captain is Josh Weaver. Look for Weaver to lead the team in breast stroke, individual medley, fly and wherever else he will be needed, Paulson said.
Junior captain Skylar Livingston will also be a leader for the Panthers in backstroke, distance and relays, Paulson added.
As for records, Paulson said sophomore Ryan Engledow is “one of our fastest guys and will be breaking records in distance events.”
Four others returning this year for Bonney Lake are Nathan Hurst, Collin Huish, Dawson Swanbeck and Kyle Jones. New swimmers that Paulson said are showing potential are Cody Miller, Bryce Terry and William Sidwell.
On the diving end of the pool, Paulson said seniors Scott Jackson and Isaac Edwards will lead the Panthers along with help from junior JJ Jamison.
All in all, “I’m looking forward to a great season,” Paulson said.
The Panthers next meet is at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Lakes.
The Sumner boys swim and dive team ended last season with 5-5 with swimmers at state for all three relays as well as the 50, 100, 200 and 500 freestyles. Coach Jerry Turner expects this year to be just as good, if not better.
“This is my second year as head coach at Sumner High. Prior to that, I have been an assistant swim coach for both Bonney Lake and Sumner. We train together, so I’ve worked with the boys from both schools for the past five years. We did very well as a team,” he said. “I’m proud of them already.”
The Spartans consist of 45 swimmers and divers. The boys did a great job recruiting, which should help with depth in dual meets and overall growth, according to Turner.
Key swimmers to watch this year include:
Senior swimmer and team captain Devin Drobny. Drobny is the Spartan’s top sprinter and butterfly expert.
Senior Zach Traufler, whose strengths include distance and dedication to practice.
Sophomore Cameron Retzlaff, who swam the relays last year as a freshman.
Junior Chase Lawrence, proficient at freestyle and butterfly.
Freshman Chase Davis, a true asset to the team, according to Turner.
“(Davis) is a swimmer new to the program that looks to be one of our top swimmers this year. We are very excited to have him as a Spartan!” said Turner.
Senior divers David Kakuk and Brice Corrigan are determined to place higher than they did last year at state. Kakuk is one of the team captains who brings a good attitude and healthy work ethic to the team, said Turner.
Sumner will swim against Steilacoom at Lakes High School, 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Bonney Lake and Sumner Gymnastics
Since Bonney Lake High School opened in 2005, Kathleen Tuttle has been coaching the girls gymnastics team.
Tuttle took a leave of absence for the last two years but she is back to coach the Panthers this year. She will also be coaching the Sumner Spartans because they have lost their head coach.
“This year there is a lot to look forward to,” she said.
Some Panthers Tuttle said to look for are Samantha McCurley on floor and bars, Jessica Mitchell all-around, Nikole Otto on vault and floor, Hailey Taylor as an all-around with an emphasis on floor and vault and Lauren Waters on bars and vault.
For the Spartans, Tuttle said they have a small team this year. However, she said they are still a powerful team despite the fact that three are unable to score varsity points due to WIAA regulations on waivers.
Two Spartans to look for this season are Kiley McCain in the all around event, especially on beams and bars, Tuttle said. Another to keep an eye out for is Ashlee Tarro on floor and bars, she added.
Bonney Lake and Sumner’s first meet of the season is at 7 p.m. today, Wednesday at the Auburn Gymnastics Center.
