Arlington boys wrestling took second place in the WIAA district one finals, placing after Lake Stevens High School and above five other high schools including Glacier Peak, Kamiak, Cascade (Everett), Mainer and Jackson.
The Boys Wrestling team ended up sending fourteen competitors to state, five of which took first place in their weight class and seven additional finalists. A lot of competitive matches happened at districts including a lot of AHS wrestlers. Taking district champion of the 138 weight class, Beau Gudde (11) pinned all three of his opponents after coming off an injury in the beginning of the season.
“I got a concussion at the very beginning of the season, I wasn’t able to wrestle all season and then last week I had my first tournament, which I did really well in,” said Gudde.
Taking first place in the 144 weight class Dayton Fitzgibbon (10) faced Chase DeBerry in the championship, where they both decided to forfeit. Being able to rely on his abilities, Fitzgibbon gave it his all to get into the championship.
“Trusting my ability to wrestle, trusting coaches, what they put me through and knowing that I’m ready,” said Fitzgibbon.
Two time state champion Tre’ Haines (11) became district champ in the weight class 157. Haines having two prior state championships at the 3A level is feeling confident to compete for another at the 4A level.
“Practicing extra hard with some of the kids. Like Dayton and Chase, also working out more,” said Haines.
Roderick Bernardo (12), known as JR, took champion of the 215 weight class over Antonio Alveraz from Mariner High School.
“I think it was a big upset because the kid I beat teched a kid that I previously lost to from Lake Stevens,”said Bernardo.
Districts ended with a lot of eagles ready for state and a lot who competed hard at districts according to Arlington Head Coach Gilbertson.
“They’re a lot of fun, they’re disciplined, they work hard, they don’t make excuses, they rally around each other as teammates and they’re lots of fun,” said Gilbertson.
