Wrestling: SLHS Wraps Up Solid Season

The South Lakes High School wrestling team completed a very successful season at the Northern Region Tournament at Hayfield High School on Saturday.

Coach Bruce Hall brought six Liberty District qualifying wrestlers to the tournament - Kevin Argueta, Anas Fain, Terry Petersen, Chris Maginniss, Josh Forrest, and Alex Smurda.

South Lakes earned 20th place in the Regionals. Chris Maginniss, Josh Forrest and Alex Smurda each finished sixth and won a medal in the tournament. 

Chris Maginniss finished the season with a 32-6 record.  He finished first at the Edison Rumble in the Jungle tournament, second at the Liberty District Tournament, and seventh at the NOVA tournament. 

Josh Forrest finished the season with a 30-5 record.  He finished in first place at the Edison Rumble in the Jungle, second at the Liberty District Tournament, and sixth at the NOVA tournament. 

Alex Smurda finished the season with a 29-13 record and fifth place at the Edison Rumble in the Jungle, second at the Liberty District Tournament; and eighth at the NOVA tournament.

The Seahawks finished the regular season 18-7 in dual matches.  They lose five seniors this year - Kevin Argueta (Liberty District Champion), Matt Kelly, Tommy Rugari (Fifth place in Liberty District), Chris Maginniss, and Mike Shoebottom (Third at Nova, Second at Edison, and Fifth at Liberty District).  The team looks forward to next season and 10 returning starters. 

This will also likely be the final season for head coach Bruce Hall. Hall started coaching South Lakes wrestling six years ago and has completely turned the program around.  

When he started there were a handful of wrestlers, and now there are 40 on the roster.  South Lakes now has a first-class wrestling room and a junior high school feeder program - the Rattlers.  Bruce's teams are always competitive and he helped countless kids achieve their potential. He is assisted by coaches Tim McAteer and John Forrest.

--- Submitted by Matthew Maginniss