CHS remains on top of MCC and State - By Juliet Polomsky
The Chiawana Riverhawks wrestling team celebrated their win against the Richland Bombers with an impressive score of 66-8. During the dual, the Riverhawks acknowledged their nine boys varsity seniors during their well-deserved senior night. The Chiawana side of the gym was filled with eager parents and fans to watch the last dual of the 2024 wrestling season between two hard-working teams. The Riverhawk boys put in much hard work and dedication to win on their special night. I asked Head Coach Mr. Manual Plata how he thinks his boys did tonight, and he replied, “They wrestle very well, I’m very pleased with the last couple of days. Yesterday, we wrestled Kennewick. We wrestled well. Today, we wrestled well, so hopefully, that will carry on to the postseason next weekend.” I loved that the head coach and wrestlers were humble even after their astounding win. I then asked Jordan Tabias, 144 Chiawana wrestler, after he got his 100th win tonight how he felt about this accomplishment. He replied, “I’m super happy. It's an achievement in life. It’s just crazy 'cause it’s not in four years; it’s only been three years because of COVID, so it's cool.” After his big win, the whole gym erupted with applause and cheering. A huge banner was brought out to congratulate him, reading, “Congratulations Jordan Tabias 100 wins”.
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| Photo: Amy J Cazier |
The Riverhawks came prepared and ready to earn their win at the last dual. The dual started at the 190 weight class, JohnPaul Workman started the Richland team off with fighting all three rounds but losing by points, Koen Hanson was next with getting pinned in the first round, Hector Sanchez was following with giving the crowd an amazing match to watch but unfortunately losing by pin, starting off the lightweights at 106 was Liam Kleiman, he had a tough match with in the first round being Richand 1 and Chiawana 10, with later in the second round our 106 got pinned, Derek O’dell coming in next to help the Bombers get some numbers on the board won by points, Derek’s match was one of the best of the night with being up by 8-2 points in the third round and almost pinning his opponent in the last five seconds, Drayson Elfering was next with an exhilarating match, the two wrestlers going back and forth taunting each other really kept everyone on the edge of their seats, Jeremiah Lichliter was following with getting pinned third round, Drew Green got pinned second round, Xavier Salinas had a state champion for his match with getting pinned in the first round, Mason Leavitt against Jordan Tabias was next, Mason almost got pinned for about 30 seconds until he was able to escape it, unfortunately he ended up still getting pinned in the second round when his opponent Jordan Tabias got his 100th win, Donovan Gallegos came in powerful with his pin in the first round, Gabriel Alaniz lost by pin in the first round, AJ Ochoa lost by pin in the second round, lastly Preston Richins at the 175 weight class lost by pin in the first round. The Richland team was disappointed in their last dual’s ending score but are getting prepared for the 3A/4A Districts on Saturday, February 3rd, at their school.
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| Photo: Amy J Cazier |
After the two tri-cities teams shook hands and Chiawana celebrated their win, I talked with the two opponents I thought were the most interesting to watch. First, I asked Jordan Tabias who inspired him to wrestle. He responded, “My biggest inspiration is Jack Anderson, our previous coach. He was the one who really started my whole career and changed my way of thinking. It's monumental that he paved my way here.” I asked Derek O’Dell the same question, and he answered, “Probably my dad. He wanted me to join, and when I stopped, he wanted me to start again, so I decided to.” Derek seemed happy that his dad encouraged him to join again and push him. Even though they are from two different schools, different weight classes, and different reasons for wrestling, they both have someone there to help them start this remarkable sport and push them to improve.
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| Photo: Amy J Cazier |
Even though the Richland team lost this dual, they still work hard to return better and unite. This year, our boys' wrestling team has been closer than ever, with their hard practice and support for each other through losses and wins. This has just taught them where they need to improve their mindset during the postseason.
