The Vashon High School wrestling team hosted the 1A Sub-Regional Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 7, with 13 athletes qualifying for the regionals competition this Saturday at Bellevue Christian.

Orting, Port Townsend and Cascade Christian High School wrestling teams came to the Rock, accepting the invitation to climb the ladder to the Tacoma Dome (state tournament) in two weeks.

To advance in competition to regionals, a wrestler had to place fourth or better in his respective weight class.

And though more than a dozen Pirates will take the mat this weekend, the Orting Cardinals continued their dominance at Sub-Regionals, taking first place as a team. It wasn’t even close.

Two Pirates took first place: Rogen Lopez (140 pounds) and Geran Webb (205 pounds).

Two Pirates lost tough matches in the finals to take second place: Sam Chapman (112 pounds) and Tim Jovanovich (285 pounds).

Dom Stemer (130 pounds) took third, while fourth place went to Kegan Shrum (112 pounds), Eddie Protzeller (119 pounds), Graeme Britz (125 pounds), Maximo Mandl (130 pounds), Jordan Lopez (145 pounds) Max Croonquist (189 pounds), Jacob Ludberg (215 pounds), and Vince Jovanovich (285 pounds). Elliot Ellingsen (152 pounds), took fifth, and is an alternate for regionals.

Three girls, coached by BJ Nelson, qualified to compete at the Regional Tournament at Emerald Ridge High School next Saturday.

Sylvie Shiosaki took first, Madeleine Wolczko second and Iris Spring fourth at the girls’ Sub-Regional Tournament Saturday at Fife High School.

Next stop for the boys is Bellevue Christian High School on Saturday, Feb. 14. Are the coaches preparing their team for a Valentine’s Day massacre? Stay tuned.

— Carl Blomgren is an avid wrestling fan.