BBCC’s upcoming wrestling finale sets stage for national tourney

MOSES LAKE — After a rough weekend versus the Pacific Northwest powerhouse in Clackamas Community College the Vikings hit the road to Pullman, Wash., to duke it out versus various conference and non-conference opponents.

Big Bend traveled to Pullman to take on conference foes in Washington State University, Eastern Washington University and the University of Washington, in addition to a non-conference matchup against Evergreen State College. These matches were crucial going into the conference tournament in a couple of weeks to pick up conference wins for seeding purposes. Big Bend Community College had a mini-dual against WSU with matches at 125, 133, 141, 157 and 197 pounds.

Freshman Raymond Rodriguez, and Sophomores Dalton McCorkle and Grayson Dodson all dropped matches at 125, 133 and 157, respectively. Meanwhile, Elijah Acevedo and Mac Laird picked up wins at 141 and 197. After the mini-dual, WSU held a round-robin tournament, in which Laird, Grayson and Raymond all picked up wins.

Laird had an impressive showing, defeating his WSU opponent by pin via armbar in the first round, and then had a solid decision against his opponent representing Evergreen University, a four-year National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics program. Laird has been making his way down from the heavyweight 285 weight class down to 197, and has been impressive thus far at his new weight and is gearing up for a strong postseason run.

After a much better showing, the Vikings prepare for the National Collegiate Wrestling Association conference tournament coming up March 2 at Grays Harbor. The top three place winners will qualify for the National Tournament in Louisiana.