Knights go 3-1, bring home section banner, individual medals
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LOWER LAKE >> Kelseyville High School’s wrestling team went 3-1 in four matches to claim third place Saturday at the North Coast Section Team Dual Championships at Lower Lake High School.
The Knights received a sectional team banner as well as individual medals for their big day on the mats.
“In a thrilling day of competition, the Kelseyville High School wrestling team demonstrated resilience and determination, bringing home a well-deserved banner that symbolize their hard work and commitment all season long,” Kelseyville head coach Shan Carl said. “Despite facing significant challenges, including the absence of our female wrestlers and giving up three forfeits (18 points) each dual, the team rallied together to achieve remarkable success with only 11 wrestling competing.”
Kelseyville opened its day with a 48-29 win over Middletown before losing to McKinleyville 47-36 in the semifinals. Once in the consolation bracket, the Knights bounced back with a 47-23 victory over Justin-Siena of Napa before beating Middletown again, this time 54-24 in the third-place match. Middletown upset Healdsburg 42-36 to reach the third-place match.
“The day was marked by outstanding performances from several key wrestlers,” Carl said. “Cody Holmes, Cash Cole, Logun Whitte, John Carr and Andrew Souza all went undefeated, finishing 4-0 and leading the charge for Kelseyville. Kai Ward also shined, boasting a 3-0 record. Westin Madsen, Hayden Brown and Brandon Brown contributed significantly as well, each finishing 3-1 on the day.”
Added Carl, “We knew entering the duals that we would be short-handed without our girls, which meant conceding 18 points due to forfeits in every match,” Carl said. “However, our wrestlers rose to the occasion, fighting back against the odds and proving that teamwork and dedication can overcome any challenge. Their relentless effort and commitment to achieving this goal were shown on the match, and today’s success is a testament to their hard work throughout the season.
“As a coach, I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” Carl said. “Bringing home a banner for Kelseyville High School has been a team goal since the beginning of the season, and to see it realized today is truly inspiring. This victory is not just a reflection of their talent, but of their determination and spirit. Together they have shown that with hard work anything is possible.”