Bulldog wrestlers win first match

COLVILLE, Wash. — The Sandpoint wrestlers finally got to battle somebody other than their own teammates, and got the season started right with a 48-24 win at Colville Thursday night.

James Van Essen, Joey Fio, Darren Thompson and Sheldon Cramer all pinned their opponents in rather quick fashion. For Fio and Cramer that was to be expected, as they are two of the better wrestlers in North Idaho. However, Van Essen's pin caught the eye of his coach.

"He stepped up in his first varsity match and brought a lot of physicality to the mat," said coach Mike Randles. "He didn't look like a greenhorn, he looked like he'd been around the mat for awhile."

Alex Watson dominated his opponent in earning a 16-0 technical fall, and Jerrad Morris wrestled up to 189 pounds, 15 pounds more than his actual weight, and won an impressive 10-4 decision.

The Bulldogs (1-0) next meet is at the talent-laden Tri-State Invitational, Dec. 16-17 at North Idaho College, where they will see some of their toughest competition of the season.

103 — Timmy Pepperdine (San) won by forfeit.

112 — James Van Essen (San) pinned Ryan Wendt in 3:47.

119 — Alec Ward (San) won by forfeit.

125 — Joey Fio (San) pinned Dustin Christensen in 4:38.

130 — Chris Spade (San) beat Levi Rose 10-0.

135 — Darren Thompson (San) pinned Donny Divis in 3:24.

140 — Mike Peterson (Col) won by forfeit.

145 — Alex Watson (San) tech. falled Mike Lundquist 16-0.

152 — Kyle Lepp (Col) beat Kyle Meschko in OT 7-5.

160 — Casey Heathman (Col) won by forfeit.

171 — Mike Lundquist (Col) beat Taylor Morris 5-1.

189 — Jerrad Morris (San) beat Justin Divis 10-4.

215 — Sheldon Cramer (San) pinned DJ Hall in 3:50.

Heavy — Kevin Day (Col) pinned Jesse peterson in 3:03.