The Best Western Bidarka Inn sponsored the Round Robin Rumble last Saturday. The Mariners hosted this tourney, featuring schools from all over the state. 

Juniors Calvin Johnson (103) and Harley Wells (145) both took first place in their respective weight classes.

Voznesenka’s Ayram Kalugin also won the championship match at 152 pounds. As a team, the Skyview Panthers had the most points with 83 points. Homer tallied 70 points and managed to take second place while Nikiski was on their tails with 69. Skyview and Nikiski also had two champions representing their schools. 

Johnson, wrestling at 103, had a slight weight advantage over his championship opponent, 98-pound Seth Hutchison from Skyview. Of course the win didn’t come easy as Hutchinson is currently the No.1 ranked 98-pounder in Alaska. 

Coach Chris Perk noted that Johnson was able to win 6-3 because of his early takedowns and near fall that he was able to score.

Harley Wells dominated the 145-pound weight class as well, pinning all five of his opponents. Wells, who formerly wrestled at 152 pounds, didn’t look to have a problem with the weight change. Skyview’s Bailey Blumantritt was Wells’ final pin for the weekend. 

Pedro Ochoa wrestled at 152 and managed to place second to Voznesenka’s Kalugin, 10-5. Although he didn’t take first place, he won six other matches during the weekend. Dick Perez, took third place at 195 pounds wrestling two state-ranked opponents. Danny Rios also placed third at 170 pounds winning five matches. David Woo (132), Dakota Alward (145) and Antonio Ochoa (160) all placed fourth this weekend. Perk, still loving Alwards’ double leg takedown, knows that consistency will be the key for him this season.

The Mariners take another trip this weekend to Nikiski for more duels, with more grapplers competing for Homer.