Nineteen middle school wrestlers from around east Jefferson County competed in the second-to-last wrestling meet of the season, driving to Port Angeles’ Stevens Middle School on March 22.

Completing a total of 41 matches, the team finished the night with a winning record of 26-15. Middle school grapplers Leighton Dunn, Oliver Ingersoll, and Silas Klontz stood out with stellar performances at the away meet.

“Leighton Dunn had a great night Wednesday, winning both of her matches by points to go 2-0 for the evening,” said Coach Jim Wilcox.

“Another Chimacum wrestler who stood out tonight was our heavyweight eighth-grader Oliver Ingersoll,” Coach Ryan White said. “His first match he was trailing in the third round by a couple of points, and he rallied against a good Sequim opponent to finish the match with a win.”

“Oliver is one of our few remaining undefeated wrestlers, compiling a 7-0 record going into our league championship next week,” White added.

“Silas Klontz had an outstanding night,” said Coach Joe Banks. “We were able to arrange four matches for Silas last Wednesday, and he pinned all four opponents.  All of us coaches are very excited for Silas to be part of our high school team next year. He is going to fit right in.”

Klontz has maintained an undefeated record of 10-0 heading into the League Championship scheduled on Wednesday.

“This season, we have had 29 athletes sign up, step in our room, and give this sport a go,” White said. “All of us coaches have seen these kids take huge strides at practice, both physically and mentally. We hope that the positive lessons we teach and the hard work ethic they have learned by completing this season helps them be successful in other aspects of life.”

The middle school League Championship — the final meet of the season — is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 as east Jefferson County’s top middle-school grapplers take on the best of the league at home in Port Townsend High’s gymnasium.

“We filled the room with kids this season. I hope next season we can bring in even more aspiring athletes,” White said. “I wish all middle school parents and kids would give themselves the opportunity to try wrestling for one season.”

“The camaraderie they have developed amongst themselves is something you have to see to believe. This sport truly is for everyone,” he added.