The 2016 season of wrestling for the Anchor Kings with the three-day state tournament in Wasilla, Alaska from April 28-30. Altogether the Anchor King wrestler brought home 26 state medals.

Twenty-three wrestlers competed in one or more of the four tournament events offered: Folkstyle, Freestyle, Greco, and Women’s. The large state tournament had about 460 Greco wrestlers, 880 Freestyle wrestlers, 125 women’s wresters, and 567 Folkstyle wrestlers. There were some great accomplishments, some struggles, and some personal bests for the young wrestlers. Wresters showed strength in being the first to shoot, defending against the head and arm, being tough on bottom, and initiating moves.

Wayne Newman won all three styles and earned three first-place state championships. Luciano Fasulo earned two state championships and a fifth place. Kyle Wells took home three third place state medals. Jadzia Martin earned one first, two second, and one third place by competing in all four events.

For some of our wrestlers this is the end of the season until next year’s high school, middle school, or elementary programs begin. Other wrestlers will attend camps during the summer. The Newman brothers will travel with Team Alaska to the lower 48 to compete in Regionals, and Wayne will be traveling to compete in Cadet Nationals.