The Cordova High School wrestling team and staff at Regionals in Anchorage on Dec. 10, 2022. Top from left to right: Coach Josh Hamberger, Chiko Jacob, Karl Griffith, Vincent Nothstine, Sam Heidbrink, Cole Hanson, AJ Bourgeois, Coach Seth Balint. Bottom from left to right: Coach Justin Ryan, James Corales, Ryder Phillips, Michael Harris, Blake Bailey, Arianna Ryan, Coach Jesse Beedle, Not pictured - Jacob Hamberger Seth Balint photo

Cordova will send three wrestlers to the Wrestling State Championships at Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage this weekend. One is 11th grader Arianna Ryan, who is the regional champion for the 2nd year in a row. Ninth grader Michael Harris and 9th grader Blake Bailey also qualified for state. They took 2nd and 3rd at regionals, respectfully.

State qualifiers: left to right: Michael Harris, Arianna Ryan, Blake Bailey Seth Balint photo

“With a team full of newer wrestlers, we came up a little short for most to qualify for the state championships”, said Coach Seth Balint. “We had so many “almost” matches where it could have gone either way, but the more experienced wrestlers typically come out on top in this sport. I’m proud of our team, and we all learned a lot this year. We came back home with some hope and excitement for next season, we just need more mat time!” 

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