When Hanford coach Dom Duncan proclaimed last weekend that his team was wrestling better than ever this season after taking second at the Grandview Winter Classic, he may have been a little premature.
That's because the Falcons turned around and posted another "better than ever" moment three days later, posting their first-ever win over Eastmont, 36-32.
They are 3-1 and in second place in the CBBN Cascade Division heading into tonight's match at home with Kamiakin.
Hanford has had consistent performances up and down the lineup, but no where stronger than Caleb Gifford (20-4) at 140 pounds -- and down to 135 for the rest of the season -- and Mike Ruane (19-2) at 145. Also, RJ Harris (19-6) at 285 is a nice bookend at the top.
Both Gifford and Ruane went to state last season but didn't wrestle past the first day, though they did stick around and watch the championship matches along with four or five teammates.
"That's why we do it," Duncan said of bringing extra kids to Mat Classic. "If you want guys to get there, they have to see what it looks like."
-- In tonight's other CBBN matches, Pasco (0-3) entertains Moses Lake (3-0) and Southridge (0-3) is at Sunnyside (2-1) in Columbia matches, and Walla Walla (0-3) is at Ike (0-3) in the Cascade.
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League wrestling titles at stake this week
League wrestling titles at stake this week
A big week of wrestling is on tap for Mid-Columbia teams in the hunt for league titles.
In the CBBN 4A, Chiawana (4-0) travels to Moses Lake (3-0) on Thursday for a dual that should decide the regular-season crown. That same day will see Pasco travel to Sunnyside in a battle of 5-0 teams in the CBBN 3A.
This is the second consecutive season the Bulldogs and Grizzlies will meet with unblemished records. Last year, the Grizzlies won 34-18 and went on to secure the league title.
Hurley leads Pasco senior wrestlers into postseason (w/ rankings)
Hurley leads Pasco senior wrestlers into postseason (w/ rankings)
PASCO -- Lonnie Hurley has had a number of big moments in his Pasco wrestling career.
There was the win in the loser-out consolation round of regionals his sophomore year, a 12-5 decision over Wenatchee senior Justin Valdez, who had beaten Hurley twice the previous week at districts.
Hurley, a fifth seed, went on to place fourth and earn a trip to state as an alternate. He did not touch the Tacoma Dome mats that season, but it was an important introduction to the two days of orchestrated chaos that is Mat Classic.
Hanford wrestlers edge Eastmont
Hanford wrestlers edge Eastmont
Ben Hoffner provided the visiting Hanford Falcons with a key win at 120 pounds, trailing by three in the final 10 seconds before getting a reversal and near-fall for an 11-9 decision over Christian Hernandez, as the Falcons defeated Eastmont 33-31 in a CBBN 3A wrestling victory on Thursday.
The six-point turnaround came up big in the CBBN 3A match decided by two points.
Hanford's Joe Traverso was handed a rare loss, falling 5-4 to Darren Hardgrove in a reversal of an earlier match between the talented 170-pounders.
Icy roads put Mid-Columbia preps on hold
Icy roads put Mid-Columbia preps on hold
Three unannounced days off for high school athletic teams has caused more than just scheduling headaches.
Now, seasons are starting to be affected.
With teams facing up to four games in a week going forward, coaches will have to juggle conditioning, practices and pray for the health of their athletes.
Pedley leads Kamiakin boys past Hanford 70-44
Pedley leads Kamiakin boys past Hanford 70-44
RICHLAND -- Justin Pedley scored 22 points to lead Kamiakin to a 70-44 CBBN 3A victory at Hanford on Thursday.
The victory keeps the Braves in line to win the regular season title and the top seed to the District Tournament next week. Hanford, meanwhile, falls 1/2 game behind West Valley for third place. The Falcons are off tonight and play at Pasco on Saturday.
Joe Douglas' 18 points and eight rebounds led Hanford, while Cooper Clyde poured in 16 points for Kamiakin.
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