Middle school teams from Chapman, Homer Middle School and Vozensenka traveled to Nikiski to battle against Kenai, Nikiski and Soldotna last week.

Vozenenka’s highest placer was Max Kuznetsov at 85 pounds; he placed second. Dia Martishev placed fourth at 100 pounds, as did Nikit Anufriev at 138 and Giorgy Kalugin in fifth at 125. David Sanarov placed second at 138 and Daniel Anufriev placed sixth at 105.

Chapman had two champions: Wayne Newman at 90 pounds and Luciano Fasulo at 105. Both are seventh-graders, looking to accomplish big things this season. Newman pinned all three of his opponents. Kyle Wells placed third at 145 and his sister, Allison, placed fifth at 105. Hunter Harrington also placed fifth at 138 and teammate Tyler Johnson competed at 132, but was injured.

Homer Middle School’s defending borough champions Teddy Croft, 132, and Tristen Cook, 145, dominated their weight classes. Croft pinned both of his opponents in the first period on his way to first place. Cook scored a pin and a solid 7-0 win over Kenai’s Caleb Streiff. Wyatt Alborn was runner-up at 167, as was Jadin Mann at 275 and McKenzie Cook at 110. Levi King placed third at 155. He won three matches on the day. Ian Stovall fought hard of his back in one match to earn a 12-7 victory over Gabe Smith from Nikiski and place fourth at 85 pounds. Stanly Swoboda competed tough at 167, but lost to two Soldotna opponents. Isabel Kulhanek at 132 also participated, but did not win a match.

Bubba Wells is coach for the Chapman team. Larry Croft and Danny Rios coach the Homer Middle School wrestlers. Justin Zank coaches Voznesenka. 

This weekend the teams travel to Soldotna for the Rubber Chicken Challenge, with teams from the peninsula, as well as Palmer and Glennallen, planning to attend.