'We had a good year,'

says coach Glenn Bell

By Dean Wong

In wrestling, the Ballard Beavers are proving they belong among the best in KingCo with 12 boys qualifying for the KingCo Tournament last weekend.

"We had a good year. As far as individual performances, we are as strong as ever," said head coach Glenn Bell.

The list of Beavers making the post season includes: Gordon Eleher, 112 pounds; Austin Fisher, 119; Colin Dunphy, 125; Preston Parris, 140; Jorey Taylor, 145; James Webberly, 152 pounds; and Michael Diaz, 160.

Also making the KingCo Tournament: Robert Mercer, 171; Fabian Jacob, 189; Owen Scully, 215; Taylor Anderson, 135; and Josh Balcos, 135.

In terms of team performance, the Beavers beat Franklin, 42-24 and Garfield 48-30 this year. They also defeated Eastlake 39-24.

Bell has been seeking consistency since taking over the program and has built the winning team that once forfeited most matches due to a small roster.

Mercer, Taylor and Scully made it to regionals last year and have a shot at going to state.

"A lot of these guys have come into their own and are doing great," said Bell.

Taylor has had an outstanding season with only one loss.

Success comes from the team having a good attitude and individual athleticism.

Bell said the wrestling team is now attracting some of the best athletes at Ballard High.