Expectations, turnout increase for Douglas wrestling

Douglas High School wrestling got its first look at varsity action this season in a series of duals at the Earl Wilkins Invitational in Fallon last weekend.

The Tigers have more than 50 wrestlers in the practice room and will have nearly a full roster on both the boys and girls side.

“There’s a drive and desire to go harder and faster. When they make the decision they want to go to the next level, it’s easy for me as a coach to just lead them there,” said Douglas coach Jake Fair.

The number of wrestlers in the practice room gives Douglas options over the course of the season.

Expectations and goals

First and foremost, Douglas wants to beat Carson.

The Senators have owned “The Rivalry” in the past few years on the mat but the Tigers could make a push this year.

Around the lineup, Ella Kavanagh returns at 106 pounds after wrestling in the offseason in tournaments across the country. Kavanagh took fourth at the first girls state tournament last winter.

“Just an amazing wrestler and she’s tough as nails,” said Fair.

Sophomore Gunner Bleeker returns at 113 pounds, looking to qualify for the state tournament for the second year in a row.

“The moves are just flowing out of him this year, so he’s going to be super exciting,” said Fair.

Cody Highfill was a state qualifier a season ago and will be penciled in at 120 pounds.

Freshman Ryder Arigoni may make some noise around the 126-pound mark.

Kai Blumenthal will be at 132 pounds, coming off a state qualification at 138 last year.

Kolton Zinn, who was voted team captain as a junior, will wrestle around the 150-pound weight class.

“He hit the camps, has really stepped it up and is helping bring the team together,” said Fair of Zinn.

Fellow captain Sage Adie is hoping to make a deep run at the Class 5A state tournament after taking second in the 215-pound regional bracket a season ago.

Dalton Nixon returns for his junior season after taking third at regionals in the 157-pound weight class.

Aaron Tekansik, also a captain, was fourth at state in the 190-pound weight class last season.

“He loves to hit a double leg and who doesn’t love that,” said Fair. “Sage is determined to not let a repeat of last year (at state) happen.”

Heavyweight will see a bit of a shakeup, as newcomers will take over. Filling in the final lineup spot will be a mix of wrestlers that Fair is still hoping to piece together.

Girls team

Historically, the Tigers have only had one or two girls wrestle with the team all season.

This year, Douglas has 13 or 14 female wrestlers.

“All the praise goes to Ella and Bliss (Moody) and they’ve done an amazing job promoting our sport and being leaders,” said Fair.

Moody took fifth at state last season.

Alongside those two will be returning sophomore Jasmine Tamondong, who was a seventh place finisher at the girls state tournament at 107 pounds.

The Tiger girls have pieced together nearly a full season schedule after participation was a little hit-or-miss around the region last year.

“Each week the idea is we take some of the things we learn and add another brick,” said Fair. “That’s what I’m looking for each week. How is our growth? How is our development?”

Sierra Adie will be the senior manager for both teams.

(Douglas High sophomore Ella Kavanagh works her way to a pin against an opponent from Lowry on Saturday. / Carter Eckl)