The LHS wrestling season began in November, and it will continue through February. A major change this year is the introduction of a girls’ team.
Tyler Randall is now coaching the girls’ wrestling team, having been hired in November. Randall was a four-year varsity wrestler for LHS, graduating in 2003.
“I began coaching as an assistant for the boys team,” Randall said.
He was an assistant coach from 2009 to 2014, including 2012, when LHS had its first and only state wrestling champion in school history, he said.
The standout wrestlers from the girls team include Kooper Bugner, Randall said. At 115 lbs, Bugner went 2-2 at state last year. Senior Kamryn Lockart, 145 lbs, is looking to end her high school career with a state wrestling medal. Other notable wrestlers are Kenzi Weza at 130 lbs, who transferred from Clarkston; and Sammie Slyter, 135 lbs, who was also a state qualifier.
Meanwhile, Bria Miller, 140 lbs, is making a name for herself in a new weight class.
“She worked out like crazy and dropped down 3-4 weight classes to put herself in the best position,” Randall said.
This Saturday, Dec. 20, they will head to compete at Lakeland High School. In St. Maries, they’ll wrestle at the Chad Ross tournament Dec. 30. Then, from January 1-3, they’ll participate at Rollie Lane in Nampa, which is one of the biggest premier high school tournaments in the country.
The boys team carries on its strengths from last season. According to Coach Colton Maddy, some boys to scout out are Mason Faling (157 lbs), Coen Roberts (150 lbs), Parker Bagley (285 lbs), and Jimmy Sams (113 lbs). They all placed in the state competitions this past year.
Some upcoming tournaments for the boys are the Duels Tournament, which is also the Toppenish Varsity Tristate (a major tournament), on December 13-14. The boys will join the girls team at the Rollie Lane Tournament Jan. 2-3.
For junior varsity boys, a key event will be the Clearwater Classic, which LHS will host Jan. 16-17.
