Published: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Timeout with ... Casey Mather, sophomore, Stanwood, wrestling
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Growing up in a wrestling family, Casey Mather was always familiar with the sport but in seventh grade she went from spectator to competitor. Now a sophomore at Stanwood High School, Mather competes in the 112-pound weight division and is often a member of the Spartans boys team's varsity lineup. She qualified for the girls state wrestling tournament as a freshman and hopes to make another state appearance this year. In addition to wrestling, Mather is a swimmer, plays flute in the school band and has a 3.5 grade-point average.
In the Mather family, wrestling is not merely a sport; it’s a way of life.
So it was no surprise when, as a seventh-grader, Casey Mather started wrestling competitively. Almost always competing against males, she learned quickly and held her own.
“It was easy and I got to beat up on a lot of boys,” said Mather.
Now a sophomore at Stanwood High School, Mather often wrestles in the Spartans boys varsity team lineup at 112 pounds. In the upcoming postseason she will compete only against females and will try to qualify for the girls state championships (Feb. 19-20 at the Tacoma Dome) for the second consecutive year.
Coach’s corner
Stanwood wrestling coach Ray Mather, Casey Mather’s cousin, said one of Casey’s biggest advantages is her family’s long tradition in the sport — she has always been familiar with it. Through hard work and determination, Casey Mather also has developed impressive mental and physical toughness, Ray Mather said: “She’s gone out and wrestled hard and never backed down from anybody.”
Going into this week, Casey Mather’s season win-loss record was 9-7 (3-6 versus boys, 6-1 versus girls).
Family matters
By wrestling for Stanwood, Casey Mather followed in the footsteps of her dad, uncle and two older siblings. Her brother, Chris Mather, placed among the top eight at the Mat Classic state championships for the Spartans in 2004 (sixth, 119 pounds), 2005 (seventh, 119 pounds) and 2006 (eighth, 130 pounds).
Quest for a medal
Just like her brother did, Casey Mather hopes to earn a top-eight medal at the state meet. She was close last season, going 1-2 in three matches and falling one win short of the awards podium. To qualify for state again she must advance in upcoming sub-regional and regional tournaments.
Branching out
In addition to wrestling, Mather is a well-rounded student-athlete. She plays flute and participates in marching band, enjoys studying German language and has a 3.5 grade-point average. After high school, when she has enough time and money, Mather hopes to travel to Europe, where she can practice speaking German and explore other countries.
Dream job
Mather aspires to work in the medical field. She has considered becoming a massage therapist, an optometrist or a general-practice doctor.
Special siblings
Asked who has had a lasting positive impact on her, Mather named her parents and her siblings, Chris and Cayla, both Stanwood High graduates. “They always help me. They’re always there for me,” Casey Mather said of her brother and sister.
The books are better
Like many teenagers, Casey Mather is a huge fan of the insanely popular “Twilight” series. But she prefers reading over watching. “I’m not a big fan of the movies, but I loved the books,” she said.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
So it was no surprise when, as a seventh-grader, Casey Mather started wrestling competitively. Almost always competing against males, she learned quickly and held her own.
“It was easy and I got to beat up on a lot of boys,” said Mather.
Now a sophomore at Stanwood High School, Mather often wrestles in the Spartans boys varsity team lineup at 112 pounds. In the upcoming postseason she will compete only against females and will try to qualify for the girls state championships (Feb. 19-20 at the Tacoma Dome) for the second consecutive year.
Coach’s corner
Stanwood wrestling coach Ray Mather, Casey Mather’s cousin, said one of Casey’s biggest advantages is her family’s long tradition in the sport — she has always been familiar with it. Through hard work and determination, Casey Mather also has developed impressive mental and physical toughness, Ray Mather said: “She’s gone out and wrestled hard and never backed down from anybody.”
Going into this week, Casey Mather’s season win-loss record was 9-7 (3-6 versus boys, 6-1 versus girls).
Family matters
By wrestling for Stanwood, Casey Mather followed in the footsteps of her dad, uncle and two older siblings. Her brother, Chris Mather, placed among the top eight at the Mat Classic state championships for the Spartans in 2004 (sixth, 119 pounds), 2005 (seventh, 119 pounds) and 2006 (eighth, 130 pounds).
Quest for a medal
Just like her brother did, Casey Mather hopes to earn a top-eight medal at the state meet. She was close last season, going 1-2 in three matches and falling one win short of the awards podium. To qualify for state again she must advance in upcoming sub-regional and regional tournaments.
Branching out
In addition to wrestling, Mather is a well-rounded student-athlete. She plays flute and participates in marching band, enjoys studying German language and has a 3.5 grade-point average. After high school, when she has enough time and money, Mather hopes to travel to Europe, where she can practice speaking German and explore other countries.
Dream job
Mather aspires to work in the medical field. She has considered becoming a massage therapist, an optometrist or a general-practice doctor.
Special siblings
Asked who has had a lasting positive impact on her, Mather named her parents and her siblings, Chris and Cayla, both Stanwood High graduates. “They always help me. They’re always there for me,” Casey Mather said of her brother and sister.
The books are better
Like many teenagers, Casey Mather is a huge fan of the insanely popular “Twilight” series. But she prefers reading over watching. “I’m not a big fan of the movies, but I loved the books,” she said.
Mike Cane, Herald Writer
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