By T.W. SAUNOOKE
The Cherokee Youth Wrestling Club is back in action. They opened the freestyle season on Saturday, March 9 at the Warhorse Open in Owen.
“This was our first opportunity to use our new skills that we have been drilling for the last month on the practice mats,” said coach T.W. Saunooke. “We had a great turnout with 13 wrestlers competing in this opening tournament. Twelve of the 13 placed in the top three.”
1st Place Finishers: Jacob Langston and Kale Stephenson
2nd Place Finishers: Lloyd Mitchell, Donnavain Groenewold, Judaiah Littlejohn, Ian Crowe, Lorenzo Ramirez, Lloyd (Junior) Teesateskie and Jesse Queen
3rd Place Finishers: Samuel Bernhisel, Priest Littlejohn and Russell Bigmeat
The weekend of Saturday, March 16, the Club competed in the St. Stephens Open in Hickory and had another strong outing, with seven of the nine participants placing in the top three.
1st Place Finishers: Kale Stephenson, Jacob Langston, Lloyd Mitchell and Samuel Bernhisel
2nd Place Finishers: River Rattler and Jesse Queen
3rd Place Finishers: Lucas Brown
“Congratulations to everyone who participated at the events,” said Saunooke. “We will be competing in the Top Dawg Challenge in Lincolnton March 23. If you would like to participate we are open for ages 5 and up. Practice is held at the Birdtown Gym on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-7pm.
