Webster, Hunsaker lead balanced Bulldog wrestling team

SANDPOINT — The Bulldogs finished 9th among 22 teams last year at the 4A state wrestling tournament, and led by a strong senior class and quality depth from lights to heavies, head coach Jake Stark doesn’t see any reason why his team can’t match or improve upon that finish this year.

Per tradition, the Bulldogs will excel on their feet, employing an attacking style passed down from Dan Taylor to Mike Randles to Stark that emphasizes takedowns above all else. After bringing 12 wrestlers to state, Stark is hoping for that number or higher and has set a goal of another top 10 team finish.

“Get as many guys as we can to state. We’re one unit this year, all working together,” said Stark, whose team has the depth and attitude to be strong in duals. “The way we treat each other, cheering each other on, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with in a dual.”

Leading the way will be senior Andrew Webster, the top returner after finishing third at state to cap a 23-9 season at 170 pounds. He brings a classic Sandpoint style to the mat, as described by his coach.

“Andrew is aggressive, fun to watch. Really explosive,” said Stark. “It’s never a dull match when he’s out there.”

Webster’s goal this season is to improve his work ethic and win a state title at 182 pounds. His favorite go-to move is a Hi-C takedown, where he lifts the opponent up and throws them to the mat, a move that takes both strength and skill to execute.

“Focusing on their head, snapping them down to the mat. When I hit that, it’s pretty hard, there’s no escaping it. I’ve been told it’s like being hit by a truck,” admitted Webster, who was asked what the team’s biggest strength is. “We focus on attack rather than defense. Whoever shoots first is most likely to win. We always have the mindset to shoot first.”

Senior Hyrum Hunsaker broke his leg in the first tournament of the season as a junior, before returning right before state and surprising everyone by going 4-2 to finish 4th last year at 160 pounds.

Stark said Hunsaker (170) doesn’t talk much, preferring to lead by example, and with a ton of mat experience he will be a tough out in any bracket. His goals are simple, and if he can stay healthy, very attainable.

“Be a four-time district champ and place better at state than I did last year. Give everything I have at practice every day and in all my matches,” stated Hunsaker, who was asked what his biggest strength is. “Technique, always trying to do the moves the best I can.”

Stark feels either of his senior leaders has a legitimate chance at winning state.

“One of those two will definitely have a shot of making it all the way,” he said. “It’s their senior year, they’ve put in the work. It’s their time to shine.”

Junior Casey Oleson (120) won two matches at state last season, capping a rock-solid 27-13 campaign. With juniors Mason Bangeman (138), who went 5-0 at the North Idaho Rumble, and Parker Coon (132) returning with varsity experience, the front half of the dual line-up is stronger than it’s been in years.

Stark feels Olson could be primed for a strong year and a potential state podium spot.

“Casey is very aggressive, wrestles smart,” described Stark. “He had 35 matches this summer, like another season under his belt. Nobody works harder.”

Senior Evan Stickelmeyer (285) wrestled last season for Mead High School, and gives the Bulldogs an athletic presence at heavyweight, while senior Malachi Mazzare (152) is a tone setter on the team.

“Malachi is intense. When he’s on the mat, he’s in your face,” claimed Stark. “Traditional Sandpoint wrestler, will attack you anywhere.”

A total of 36 wrestlers turned out this year, with more than half featuring considerable mat experience.

Sandpoint opens the season today at the two-day Inland Empire Wrestling Tournament in Spokane, with action starting at 3 p.m. at Central Valley HS.