Injuries shrink Glacier Bear squad to 5
With only five members at the season’s start, this year’s Haines High School wrestling team is small but experienced, with three returning veterans: seniors Ketch Jacobson and Mori Hays, and sophomore, Kamakana Kanahele.
Kanahele qualified for the state championship in the 220-pound division last year. Freshmen Karl Gillham and Nathan Haas fill out the squad.
Co-coach Dennis Durr said he hopes to see Kanahele make a second run at state, but was cautious about offering predictions so early in the season.
Hays and Jacobson, however, were more forthcoming.
“I’m excited. I grew a little bit and I’ve gotten stronger, so I think I’m going to do pretty well this year,” said Jacobson.
Hays shared his lofty expectations. “It’s my goal to get to state, and maybe be one or two (at regionals).” Hays’ older brother Kai Hays, a two-time state qualifier for Haines, is serving as an assistant coach.
With regard to the low turnout and how it affects early season preparations, Coach Durr said it’s been difficult to find appropriate sparring partners for everyone, but so far things have been pretty smooth.
Jacobson added, “Well, we’re ready to learn and doing pretty well (even with few participants) and we’re getting tougher and that’s important.”
Generating some excitement for the team this season is the fact that Haines will host a Thanksgiving weekend tournament Nov. 18-19 featuring teams from all around Southeast.
“We only host this tournament once every three years,” said Durr. “It’s a great (and rare) opportunity for Haines family and friends to actually see their kids wrestle, so we really look forward to hosting this one.”
Other coaches include Andrew Cardella and assistant coaches Andus Hales and Ben Bard.
About 10 boys participated in wrestling last year. Two boys expected to wrestle suffered recent injuries but still might join the squad, coaches said.
The team’s first match is this weekend in Petersburg. Additional matches are: at Juneau Oct. 21-22, at Ketchikan Oct. 28-29, at ACS Nov. 4-5, Home Nov. 18-19, at Wrangell Dec. 2-3, and at Sitka December 9-10 for Region V Tournament.