Big week on the mats for Pirate wrestlers

The Vashon High School boys and girls wrestling teams were busy and successful this past week, competing in five different events and logging more than 100 individual matches against tough regional competition.

The stretch began with a dual meet at South Whidbey on Thursday, Jan. 8, where the Pirate boys earned an impressive 58–18 victory over the Falcons. Junior Ronan Reed and sophomore Johnny Joyce IV provided highlights with pins, while senior Oliver Pickney battled through all three periods to secure a hard-fought win that helped seal the team victory.

On Saturday, Jan. 10, the boys traveled to Rainier High School for the annual WIAA Sgt. Justin Norton Memorial Tournament. Seventeen teams competed, offering an early look at potential postseason matchups. Junior Jacob Lawrence finished third, redeeming his lone loss of the day with a dramatic come-from-behind pin.

Senior Teavin Gilbert showed grit in one of the tournament’s toughest weight classes, while junior Raf Escovedo battled his way to fourth place with a comeback pin, eventually falling to teammate Oliver Pickney. Pickney won four of his five matches to earn third place. Junior David Ryland also reached the podium for the first time in his high school career, placing fifth after winning four matches.

At the same time, the Vashon Island girls team traveled to Kelso to compete in the Braided 64, one of the largest girls high school wrestling tournaments in the country. Founded in 2007, the event has grown into a premier showcase, hosting 108 teams from Washington and Oregon this year. More than 900 wrestlers competed over two days on 14 mats, including state champions and nationally ranked athletes.

All seven Vashon girls wrestled hard against elite competition. Freshman Cedar Henderson earned a gritty 10–6 decision over Vivian Phan of Evergreen (Vancouver), then followed it up with a second-period pin after a comeback against Bonney Lake junior Emylie Stansberry. Seniors Hazel Nielsen and Alara Demir faced multiple tough opponents, displaying determination throughout the tournament.

Senior Persephone “Lena” Puz delivered one of the weekend’s standout performances. She won her first three matches, each early in the first period, and then pinned Kianna Gutierrez-Munoz in the third period of her semifinals match to reach the finals. Under the spotlight in a packed gym, Lena faced Enumclaw senior Taydem Bylin, whom she had pinned just a week earlier. This time, trailing by five points late in the third period, Lena relied on conditioning and composure to score a takedown, turn her opponent, and secure a dramatic pin with just 17 seconds remaining.

Two days later, both teams were back on the road for a dual meet in Eatonville. The Pirate girls secured a 24–12 victory, highlighted by a come-from-behind pin from Hazel Nielsen, a solid pin by sophomore Josie Reiling, another strong performance from Cedar Henderson, and an impressive pin by eighth grader Piper Filanoski.

The Pirate boys narrowly fell 34–24 in a competitive match, with wins and pins from Teavin Gilbert, Jacob Lawrence, Ronan Reed, Johnny Joyce IV, and eighth grader Tommy Bingham. Freshman Caden Kiehnle and senior Cash Nowicki, wrestling in his first year with the team, also earned pins in varsity matches, underscoring the depth and determination of the squad.

With several weeks remaining before the postseason, the Pirate wrestlers continue to test themselves in dual meets and tournaments across the region. When they are not competing, these athletes are in the wrestling room together — pushing one another, building confidence, and learning the value of hard work.

Supported by a tight-knit island community, Vashon wrestling continues to grow stronger. Win or lose, these Pirates represent their school with pride, carrying forward a tradition that is about far more than results — it’s about the culture of the wrestling community on our island and showing up for one another every time they step on the mat.

Stephen Murphy is an assistant wrestling coach for Vashon High School.