Stanley likes direction Chiefs headed

The Moses Lake Chiefs beat Pasco 39-38 to secure fifth place in the 32-team Best of the West wrestling duals in Pasco, leaving head coach Nathan Stanley happy with the improvement he sees in his team.

"Pasco provided us a measuring stick," Stanley said. "We had two kids that lost to them last time that beat them (this time)."

The Chiefs faced injuries in three weight classes, Stanley said, giving Pasco the impression that Moses Lake was vulnerable.

"They thought we were weak," he said. "They were wrong."

Stanley said he was impressed with Gabe Guzman's fill-in role at the the 119-pound weight class. Guzman lost the decision 13-8, but had his opponent George Mendez on his back and almost won.

"Guzman going out there and competing showed them that first varsity, second varsity, it doesn't matter. You put that Chiefs uniform on and they're going to have to deal with us," Stanley said. "It put a lot of doubt in the other (Pasco) wrestler's minds."

Because of the seeding, the Chiefs played tournament winner Newberg early, preventing them from a better finish.

"I truly believe we were the second best team in the tournament," Stanley said. "But I'm not concerned with placing first. I'm more worried about kids getting better. Almost all the wrestlers did

considerably better."

The Chiefs next hit the mat Jan. 6 against Davis in Moses Lake.