Cashmere Bulldogs secure fifth place at Mat Animal Invitational

QUINCY – The Cashmere Bulldogs finished fifth in the Mat Animal Invitational at Quincy High School, competing against 22 other schools. Othello claimed the team title, followed by Eastmont, Tonasket, Cascade Christian, and Cashmere.

Senior Hugh Wheeler secured the 157-pound title in individual performances, winning all four matches by pin. Freshman Jance Novak emerged victorious in the 150-pound category, maintaining a 5-0 record for the day.

Freshman Marshall Pell, competing in the 120-pound bracket, reached the finals with a 3-1 record but was bested by Dennis Hernandez from Royal, a fifth-place finisher in last year's state championship. At 144 pounds, Wyatt Weatherman added 11 team points for Cashmere with a 5-1 record, while senior Garrett Edwards in the 138-pound class contributed nine team points through four wins.

Additionally, freshman Grey Jacobson (175 pounds), Zane Pace (106), Mack Pell, and senior Owen Graves (157) each secured three wins. Cashmere's performance was bolstered by Kaiden Huber (113), Caden Flick (138), Ian Garzon (190), Ulysses Betancourt (215), and Cruz Hesselschwardt (285), who each won two matches.