Jacks Shoot Down Hawks: Varsity Wrestling Wins 60-12

By Tyler McIntosh

The Hawks did their best, but in the end, they were no match for the Jacks. RAL picked up the victory even after having to forfeit three matches.

When it came right down to it, the Jacks really showed what they could do.

“It’s really hard to say who our best wrestler has been this year,” Mr. Dollemore, coach of the wrestling team, said. “We have had so many outstanding performances by all the athletes this year that it would be impossible to pick just one.”

The Jacks were trying to assert their dominance from the bottom position during the match with the Hawks.

“We’ve been trying to work on scoring from the bottom position more,” Dollemore said. “It not only gives us points, but it’s also symbolic, showing that no one can keep us down.”

The Jacks have always had a strong program for wrestling, and in the last three years in the Greater St. Helens District, RAL varsity has only lost three league matches.

“I think this year’s going to be better,” D.J. Smith 11 said, “We’ve all been working on new techniques and new takedowns, and it’s really improved us as a team.”

When asked who the toughest opponent would be this year, Dollemore said, “Washougal has been our toughest dual meet in the past; we faced them for the league title last year, and I expect the same will happen this year.”

Dollemore believes that the Jacks will be ready for Mark Morris this year, as the Jacks have been working all year to improve their wrestling.

“I worked all summer on getting in better shape and practicing new takedowns,” Smith said.

The Jacks like to live by rules like: “I understand that in order to be the best, I have to beat the best,” and “In order to be a champion, I have to be able to score off the bottom; no one can hold me down!”

The Jacks are 2-1 in league right now, and they have their sights set on the league title.

“I decided to turn out for wrestling because all my friends were doing it and I was inspired by Dollemore,” Smith said.