Arlicaq Wrestling
The wrestling team at Akiak High School was much improved over last year. Practices were harder than ever and everyone was willing to make the sacrifice to improve to the best of their abilities. Our team participated in many tournaments and invites, including the large and intimidating Anchorage Cristian School tournament, where 50 teams from all over Alaska came to compete. Six wrestlers started the season, but due to injury, only three competed at the regional tournament. Justin Owens finished fourth at Regionals, DJ Gilila made a good showing as a freshman, and Ben Pete was Region Champion of the heavyweight class. The highlight of the year was without a doubt Ben Pete, who made Akiak proud by coming in first place at the State tournament, defeating the returning state champ and the number one seed, both from Nikiski. His hard work and dedication over the last three years finally paid off, allowing him to reach his goal.
Justin Owens
page designed by Michael Williams
Clockwise from top left: Coach Gerlach, Varsity: D.J. Gilila, Frank Evan,Ben Pete,Justin Owens,Ivan Ivan, John Phillip. Junior High: Michael Williams Jr., Jameylee Gilila, Daniel Phillip
Ben Pete-Heavyweight State Champion
Ben Pete, a senior from Akiak, capped a run through Nikiski's heavyweight stable with a second-round pin of Bulldog senior Levi Superman, the top seed. Pete, who beat defending state champion Joe Nelson of Nikiski in the semifinals, finished the season 14-2 with his pin in 3:05.
Taken from Anchorage Daily News
Michael pins his opponent from Bethel.
The junior high wrestling team traveled to Bethel, Napakiak, Nunapitchuk
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