Hongell takes 220 lb. wrestling title at Bash at the beach

The Ocosta High School Wrestlers finished their holiday break with a trip to North Beach High School on Saturday, Jan. 2, to participate in the 2016 Bash at the Beach Wrestling Tournament.

In addition to the host school and the Wildcats, participants included Aberdeen, Adna, Willapa Harbor, Tenino, Montesano, Shelton, Klahowya, Knappa, Muckleshoot, and Tacoma Baptist/Life Christian. Klahowya won the tourney, with Aberdeen finishing second and Montesano third. Ocosta was 4th in team standings.

The Wildcats sent five wrestlers to the championship finals, with senior Byron Hongell winning the title at 220 lbs. Hongell won with a second round pin over Dylan Leer of Klahowya. Cole Rutzer (120), Sam Quinby (126), Matthew Hart (152) and Daniel Helman (285) took second for the Wildcats.

In the consolation finals Kalvyn Scott (170) and Hayden Hoff (195) placed third. Scott won with a pin over Kai Olson of Montesano, and Hoff tied for third with Spencer Brewer of Tenino due to match limitations. Gabe Elder (152) placed fourth.

Daniel Quinby, Kaleb Orton, Dylan Furford, Cosmo Silver and Tucker Deranleau also wrestled for the Wildcats.