Team has respect and a chance

By Dean Wong

The Ballard Beavers wrestling team is earning the respect of the KingCo League and several athletes have a shot at going to state this year.

Despite a home court loss to Lake Washington 68-12 last Thursday, the Beavers are optimistic about their post-season chances. Ballard's Jorey Taylor won the only match against the Kangs in the 145-pound division.

In the past years, when the team had to forfeit too many matches in the different weight categories, the Beavers faced and uphill climb.

Coach Glen Bell matched his wrestlers against the best KingCo had to offer to get them experience. He even bumped them up to heavier weight classes for a tougher challenge.

Bell was looking at developing his talent and depth while working towards consistency.

As more students turned out, the team got better and the roster numbers improved.

The 2007 team has already beaten Eastlake in the first match of the season.

Last week they face off with Lake Washington at home.

"We are looking good. We're growing. Every year we get stronger," said Bell.

Robert Mercer, Jorey Taylor and Owen Scully made it to regionals a year ago. Scully and Taylor nearly qualified for state.

Bell believes all three can make it to state this year.

"We have great kids. We are back again and are stronger than ever," said Bell.

The top KingCo teams are Inglemoor, Redmond and Lake Washington. In 2006, Ballard finished with a .500 record.

Bell said the team has had good practices. "The kids are responding. Things are good. This year we have good athletes and attitude," said Bell.

The other wrestlers are: Taylor Anderson; Josh Balcos; Wil Barrett; Michael Diaz; Colin Murphy; Jacob Fabian; Austin Fisher; Mat Jensen; Katherine Landerholm; Zolton Martinez; Aaron Norton; Preston Parris; Chris Wayne; and James Webberley.

Ballard is at Juanita, Jan. 3, 6 p.m.; at Inglemoor, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m.; at Garfield, Jan. 10, 6 p.m.; home against Franklin, Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m.; and home against Redmond, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.

The KingCo League Tournament is Feb. 1 and 2 at Juanita. The Region 2 Tournament is Feb. 9 at Inglemoor and the state Matt Classic is Feb. 15 and 16 at the Tacoma Dome.