Quincy hosts Mat Animal Invitational

QUINCY – Saturday's Mat Animal Invitational in Quincy saw five local wrestling teams take the mat, with the hosting Quincy Jackrabbits finishing in 10th place in the tournament.  

Leading the way for local finishers was Othello, who ended the event as the runner-up to champion Wapato. Ephrata finished in ninth place, Royal took 16th place and Wahluke finished in 25th place. 

“It’s been one of the toughest tournaments for us this year,” Quincy head coach Breck Webley said. “We usually perform, in terms of team results, a bit higher than we ended up. I think it’s great to have an opportunity to wrestle some of the best teams in the state at our tournament.” 

Two Jackrabbits reached the podium at the tournament; at 113 pounds senior Saidt Alvarez finished in fourth place. 

“He wrestled a couple top-five state placers, he’s one of those guys too,” Webley said. “He just didn’t end up on the right side of it. He might feel frustrated about it, but we saw a couple guys that we wanted to see, and we saw what those matches were going to feel like. It helps us coaches and him prepare for the postseason.” 

Junior Alejandro Barajas won the 190-pound bracket at the Mat Animal Invitational, winning in an 8-3 decision over Ellensburg senior Cade Femrite in the championship match. 

“Between the dual before the tournament and the tournament, he had 15 takedowns and gave up zero – that was great for him,” Webley said. “It was great for him to win a home tournament as well.” 

Including Barajas, five local wrestlers were champions of their respective weight classes; Othello freshman Xavier Mendez won the 106-pound class, Othello senior Jeremiah Flores won the 138-pound class, Royal junior Shea Stevenson won the 157-pound class, Barajas won at 190 pounds and Othello senior Mason Perez won the 285-pound class. 

Quincy continues its league schedule with a road dual against Prosser on Thursday. Wrestling begins at 6 p.m. Webley said the Jacks took a lot of wrestler-specific things away from the tournament, along with where some wrestlers will fit at specific weight classes come the postseason. 

“The end of the season is about technique, and it’s not necessarily about being in the best shape, because everyone’s going to be in shape at the end of the season,” Webley said. “It’s about having better technique at those points.” 

Webley also gave thanks to the Quincy community for stepping up and helping run a smooth tournament. 

“The refs specifically sought us out to tell us that the people that helped work our tables were some of the best ones they’ve had all season,” Webley said. “We’re really proud to have a tough tournament, but also one that -- just as important to teams – is a tournament that runs smoothly that they want to come back to.” 

Mat Animal Invitational Results 

Othello – 2nd place 

Placers: freshman Xavier Mendez (106 pounds, first), sophomore Conner Gilbert (113, sixth), junior Daniel Gonzalez (120, second), junior Mason Russell (132, second), senior Jeremiah Flores (138, first), sophomore Armoni Zuniga-Mendez (144, fifth), junior Camilo Mendez III (150, second), senior Parker Freeman (157, third), senior Anthony Solorio (215, fourth), senior Mason Perez (285, first) and freshman Elliot Mitchell (285, sixth). 

Ephrata – 9th place 

Placers: senior Dominic Furman (132, sixth), junior Jonathan Ramirez (157, sixth) and junior Peyton Woods (190, fourth). 

Quincy – 10th place 

Placers: senior Saidt Alvarez (113, fourth) and junior Alejandro Barajas (190, first). 

Royal – 16th place 

Placers: freshman Preston Andersen (120, sixth), junior Shea Stevenson (157, first) and sophomore Cael Orth (157, fourth). 

Wahluke – 25th place 

Placer: senior Victor Mateo (106, fifth). 

    Othello junior Camilo Mendez III, right, was one of 11 Huskies who placed at Saturday’s Mat Animal Invitational. The Huskies finished in second place as a team at the tournament.
  

    Royal junior Shea Stevenson, top, won the 157-pound class at the Mat Animal Invitational on Saturday in Quincy.