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Banry, Johns, James, Newman win matches against Braves
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Story and photos by Matt Pranger
Freshman Lindsey Banry (103 pounds) posted her first win over a
male foe during her debut before the Friday Harbor fans as the
Wolveines turned in a strong performance in their home opener
Thursday, Jan. 10. La Conner won the dual 45-18 but Justin James (145)
and Chris Newman (285) notched pins for the Wolverines and Conner
Johns (152) won a 6-5 decision.
The Wolverines four of the 11 contested matches and had some near
falls in a few of the matches they lost. "Our kids just continue to
improve," first-year Friday Harbor coach Neil MacDiarmid. "It's good
to come home and have a good showing."
The Wolverines forfeited matches at 112, 125 and 135 pounds. "If we
can fill some of the lower weight classes, we'll be OK," MacDiarmid
said.
Banry, the daughter of former Friday Harbor coaches Gordy and
Deanna Banry, grew up on the mats in Hall Gym. She battled Keisuke
Massey to 5-5 tie at the end of the first period but scored a reversal
and takedown to the Brave's escape and reversal in the second period.
She retained her 9-8 lead throughout the final period and the
Wolverines erupted in a standing ovation.
"It was really exciting," Banry said of her win. "I felt like I
couldn't lose when I was out there."
"There was a bit of pressure but not the bad kind of pressure," she said.
Holding an opponent, especially in a lightweight division, is
extremely difficult for two minutes, but Banry was able to ride-out
the match. "I didn't want to get ahead of myself and give him some
points," Banry said.
Newman, coming off his first tourney title at the Sultan
Invitational, improved to 13-3 with a fall against Max Barber 44
seconds into the second period. Newman built a 16-4 lead in the match
but was more thrilled with his littlest teammate's victory. "I was
really excited to see Lindsey beat her guy," he said.
James pinned Arthur Brown 35 seconds into their match. "I went in
there knowing what I had to do and it's good I came out victorious,"
he said. "Today was a team effort though. It was great that the others
were winning too."
Johns went behind 5-4 in the third period but took down Max Sible
to secure the decision. James dropped a weight class so Johns could
wrestle at 152. "Conner didn't let us down," MacDiarmid said.
Gossom and Brandon Loop won in exhibition matches for the
Wolverines. Dalton Baker lost by decision and Gabe Scott was
pinned.
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