The Tonasket High School 2009-2010 wrestling team. In the front from left to right are: Collier Brereton, Jared Stedtfeld, Enrique Ortega, Austin Booker, Dalton Wahl and Collin Aitcheson. In the middle from left to right are: Barry Pentz, Peter Williams,

TONASKET – With several returning wrestlers this season, the Tonasket wrestling team is working to maximize their potential under long-time head coach Dave Mitchell.

In his 31st year as head coach, Mitchell said he uses a hands-on approach to coaching the sports in order to get the boys to maximize their potential. To do this, he is assisted by Cole Denison and Trampus Stucker.

The team this year consists of 21 boys, which Mitchell said is an average turnout.

“This is a mixed-experience team,” Mitchell said. “I have state meet veterans and guys who are turning out for the first time.”

Among those returning are seniors Andrew Grillo and Corey McCrarey. Grillo was fifth in state in his weight division last year. Also returning are Tyler Laurie, who was second in districts last year, Riley Buzzard, who placed fifth in districts and sixth at regionals, Dustin Silverthorn, who was a state meet participant in 2008, Peter Williams, who place fifth in districts and sixth at regionals, Ryker Marchand, who was a state meet participant last year, Keegan McCormick, who placed third in state last year and fifth in state in 2008 and Lee Leavell, who placed fifth at regionals and was an alternate to state last year.

Mitchell said that young team members Derek Rimestad, Dalton Wahl, Austin Booker, Jared Stedtfeld, Collin Brereton, Brenden Brereton and Kenworth Silverthorn all show promise in the sport.

“I predict we’ll be tough this season,” Mitchell said. “We relish hard work but have a hard time getting a body in every weight class.”

Last year the team was 5-3 and Mitchell said the highlight of the season was watching 2009 THS graduate Kevin Cruz win state in his weight class.