By KLAS STOLPE
Sentinel Staff Writer
The Sitka High School Wolves will celebrate their senior wrestlers at 5:45 p.m., Tuesday, November 13, on the Performing Arts Center stage.
The Wolves will be hosting a meet against Mt. Edgecumbe High School and the wrestling action will also take place on the stage at the PAC.
The Sitka Sentinel caught up to the wrestlers at a recent practice and they shared some of their favorite things.
Sitka High School Wolves senior wrestlers (from left) JD Gagner, Gavin Hammock, Kyle England, Wayne Young, and Reilly Holden show their takedown stances during practice on Thursday night. The five will be honored during Tuesday’s dual meet against Mt. Edgecumbe on the Performing Arts Center stage. The wrestling action will also be held on the PAC stage. (Sentinel Photo by Klas Stolpe)
Kyle England. Weight class - 135. Favorite food - Sushi or ramen. Favorite book - “The Outsiders” (S. E. Hinton). Favorite movie - “The Outsiders.” Hobbies - I really love skateboarding, I love taking them apart and putting them back together. I am really a fan of photography and art in general. Nickname - My sisters call me “Mongkai,” which means “Brother” in the Filipino language Ilocano. Wrestling memory - The time I got my first concussion because ever since that day I have learned a lot. It kind of put me in my place, it was in third grade and I wrestled this kid from Juneau. It was one of the best rebounds I have had in my wrestling career. Coaches comment - I like that Kyle came back to wrestling. He wasn’t in Sitka last year, he rejoined for his senior year. He always tries really hard, he always wants to find any way he can to win and improve himself. I like his work ethic.
Jacob Gagner. Weight class - 140. Favorite food - Good old greasy bacon cheese burger is pretty good. Favorite book - “Hell’s Gate” (David Weber). Favorite movie - “Black Panther.” Hobbies - Swimming, hunting, fishing. Nickname - J-Dollar (during summer commercial fishing). Wrestling memory - Just eating a lot of food after state last year was pretty fun. Coaches comment - I like JD because he is a leader. He is someone who is dependable and you can count on. A very hard worker and he sets a good example for the other wrestlers.
Gavin Hammock. Weight class - 145. Favorite food - French toast. Favorite book - “Brian’s Hunt” (Gary Paulsen). Favorite movie - “Creed.” Hobbies - Wrestling of course, and hunting and fishing. Nickname - Pretty Boy. Wrestling memory - That would probably be when coach Will pushed the fire alarm when we were in Petersburg last year. Coaches comment - Gavin always comes on strong at the end of the season. He always has really tough weight classes and is able to overcome kids that beat him earlier in the season and is able to beat them in the end.
Reilly Holden. Weight class - 160. Favorite food - Philly cheese steak. Favorite book - No favorite, I last read “Enders Game” (Orson Scott Card). Favorite movie - “Saving Private Ryan.” Hobbies - Mechanics, working on vehicles. Nickname - Raw Dog. Wrestling memory - I would have to say it was when our coach pushed the Panic button thinking it was a light switch at a school in Petersburg. Coaches comment - Reilly is really fun to have around. He is explosive. He always has style in his haircut, he is just a fun character.
Wayne Young. Weight class - 152. Favorite food - The Philly cheese steak, it is probably one of the best. Favorite book - I like the “Dark Towers” series (Stephen King). Favorite movie - Too many to choose, I recently watched “Mission Impossible.” Hobbies - I enjoy mechanics, riding quads, cruising around in my truck, and guns. Nickname - Gun Me Down Wayne. Wrestling memory - I would probably have to say when I hit the perfect “Granby” in a match, I thought that was pretty sweet (editor’s note - A Granby roll is performed from an inferior position, usually when the top wrestler has a hold upon the lower wrestler’s waist from the side or when moving to “take the back.” The bottom wrestler rises slightly and cross steps under his own body, using it to post as they kick high with the other leg and perform a shoulder roll to the inside shoulder, either achieving an escape or an arm lock on the other wrestler... and “yes, it is pretty sweet”). Also, he calls his headgear “Bessie.” Coaches comment - Wayne is the guy that keeps the team in a good mood. He keeps everyone cheery and always has a warm smile and is cracking jokes. He just a good time, a good kid to have around.
