Thursday, March 28, 2024

Cascade wrestlers expect another solid season

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Cascade Wrestling Head Coach Jesus Sandoval is hoping to build upon their success from last season. They finished second in the Caribou Trail League and sent five wrestlers to state, three to wrestle and two alternates. 

Out of those five, four are back this season. 

“That is a really good foundation. We already have kids that are setting the tone in the wrestling room at the level we want. That makes a huge difference. When we have good leaders up here who are working really hard, it just sets the tone for everyone,” Sandoval said. “This year, we’re finally going to see a group of kids who are at the level that I’ve been hoping for the last few years.”

Covering the weight classes is important, particularly in the dual matches. Sandoval said they are missing a 113 pounder and a 195 pounder. Standout heavyweight Hunter Reinhart is out for the season after knee surgery. 

“Right now, based on the doctors, he won’t be able to get back to wrestle, but we’re hoping with physical therapy and some exercise, hopefully he can get strong enough to start competing toward the end of the season,” Sandoval said of Reinhart. “It’s really unfortunate. As a sophomore, he’s already ranked number four in state. It’s unfortunate he had that injury and ended up having surgery. It would be really nice to have him eligible.”

Another top standout is junior 126 pounder Daniel Sandoval, a state participant last year. 

“He is one of our top guys as well. He’s one of the guys setting the tone. With the strength, conditioning and technique, he is one of our leaders,” Sandoval said. 

Cascade’s 106 pounder, freshman Carlos Martinez, is a solid wrestler. Axel Martnez, a junior, is pretty solid at 120 pounds. Senior Danial Claros made state as an alternate last year. 

“Then, we have a kid from Richland, Jace Seely, who is also a 126 pounder. We are hoping to get him 120. Technique wise, he looks pretty good. I know he’s going to be a tough wrestler. We were able to get back a couple kids who wrestled their whole lives in the little kids program. They did not wrestle in high school,” Sandoval said. 

Cashmere transfer, Connor Head, is a senior Sandoval hopes can do well. 

“There is a few young kids, who are young in wrestling, but having these other guys setting the tone makes a big difference. They are already working hard. That’s huge,” he said. “When I took over, we had kids I was afraid to push hard. Now, with this group, they are going to do anything we ask. They have that mentality that anything is possible.”

In league, Chelan figures to be tough again. Cashmere is improved with better numbers this season. Omak and Okanogan usually have strong wrestlers. 

“We should be right there competing for the league title again. That’s my goal as a coach,” Sandoval said. “What is going to hurt us is missing those weight classes. We’ll see if we can fill those out.” 

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.

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