Nome Elementary, HS girls wrestlers dominate Bush Brawl
Nome’s elementary school wrestlers traveled to Kotzebue for the annual Bush Brawl wrestling tournament and returned basking in glory.
Last year they took top honors in the meet with 30 wrestlers, this year they did it with only 18. While host Kotzebue was able to field a wrestler in every single weight category, Nome, with fewer wrestlers, was able to fill eight of eleven classes. Yet, they won the team title. Nome was able to put a wrestler in the final match in every category they competed in. Kotzebue was second in team points followed by a very strong Shaktoolik.
In the high school tournament visiting Nikiski triumphed with the Kotzebue Huskies in second place. Nome was third followed by Shaktoolik, Savoonga, Gambell and Shishmaref. Nome wrestlers winning their categories include JJ Marble at 135, Eldon Cross at 152, Stephan Anderson at 160, Della Medlin at girls 125, and Karis Evans at 135. “Nome’s girl wrestlers surprised everyone as they took first place as a team and were led by champions Karis Evans and Della Medlin,” wrote Assistant Coach Corey Erikson in an email.
Son Erikson won the middle school championship at 105 lbs.
“Wrestling looks more like an individual sport rather than a team sport, but it is still a team sport,” said Nome Elementary Wrestling Coach Lahka Peacock. “We all see the kids in the finals winning their medals but you can’t win the overall team title without everyone winning matches outside of the finals.” He cited Cole Gray and Paige Peacock for their performances in non-final matches. As Nome and Kotzebue were neck and neck in the team competition, Gray was able to battle to third place by pinning both his opponents. A pin wins more points. “Without those pins, I am not sure we would have taken the team title,” said Peacock.
Paige Schuerch won an overtime match with intense support from the crowd and her teammates. “That is how you win a team title in wrestling,” said Peacock.