The Homer wrestling team had their first meets of the season this past weekend. The Mariners had duals against Nikiski and Seward on Friday in Nikiski, and followed that up with a trip to Kenai for the Luke Spruill Memorial Tournament on Saturday.
Homer first edged out Nikiski 52-46 in duals on Friday.
Homer had 17 matches against the Bulldogs. Each team got a victory by decision, but Homer got eight pins to Nikiski’s seven.
The match was headlined by efficient pins from Luca Fitzpatrick at varsity A 103 (win in 0:40) and Roane Cook at varsity girls 185 (win in 1:43).
The Mariners came up short in their dual against Seward, losing with a 27-point effort to the Seahawks’ total of 50. Homer had notable pins from Saoirse Cook at varsity girls 132 (win in 3:54) and Brayden Woods at 160 (win in 5:07) to help add to the Mariners point total.
The Mariners then headed up to Kenai for the Luke Spruill Memorial Tournament on Saturday. The Mariners girls team won their tournament, winning with 65 points, beating out other teams Kenai Central (44), Nikiski (29), Dimond (25) and Seward (14).
The Mariners wrestling team overall took third in the tournament with 229 points, behind Soldotna’s winning score of 251 and runner-up Nikiski’s 242. Following Homer’s third-place finish was Kenai (183), Dimond (168.5), Seward (141) and Mountain Christian Academy (41).
Winning titles for Homer were Justus Grimes at 135, Maxwell Herndon at varsity A 135, Shea Yatchmeneff at varsity A 215, Heather Shae at varsity girls 107, Saoirse Cook at varsity girls 138 and Roane Cook at varsity girls 185.
Also for Homer, Paul Minke was second at 140, Brayden Woods was second at 152, Zayne Adams was second at varsity A 140, Alexander Van Meter was second at varsity A 160, Ryan Alcorta was second at girls 145, Bryce Glidden was second at girls 165, Luca Fitzpatrick was third at 103, David Webb was third at 160, Adgel Chandler was third at 215, Maxwell Barker was third at varsity A 112, Alma Kedem-Zeligman was third at girls 120, Bryce Hagge was fourth at 112, Jadon Weisser was fourth at 112, Landyn Woods was fourth at 135 and Zachariah Anderson was fifth at varsity A 285.
The Mariners hit the mat again Thursday for duals in Kenai and next Friday and Saturday at the Top Dog Tournament in Nikiski.
