By Bob Mortenson
Herald Writer
Get a grip. Just make sure it’s the right one.
Some 50-60 competitors are expected to gather Saturday at Everett’s Club Broadway for the Washington State Armwrestling Championships. Weigh-ins will be 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with action commencing at 1:30. Admission is free.
Club Broadway is sponsoring the event, which will include multiple weight classes for men’s open and novice entrants, women, and teenage boys and girls. There are also separate brackets for children 12 and under. The men’s open and novice divisions, as well as the teen boys divisions include separate right-hand and left-hand competitions.
Jacob and Deanna Abbott, owners of J&D’s Trophies of Everett, are assisting with officiating, bracketing and trophies. Jacob Abbott is a four-time defending national champion in the 198-pound weight class right-handed. He is a three-time defending national champion left-handed.
Abbott expects Kirk Caulkins of Lynnwood and Steve Phipps of Federal Way to be serious contenders in a strong field for 198-pound, right-hand title.
“Kirk’s hoping to get Steve this year,” Abbott said. “He hasn’t been able to beat Steve in the past.”
Abbott says armwrestlers use one of three styles, the top roll, the hook and drag or the shoulder roll. The more experienced tend to favor the top roll which involves curling the arm towards yourself and opening up your opponents arm in the process.
“They get weaker as their arm gets straightened out,” Abbott said.
The top roll tends to reduce the chances of getting injured. The downside is that it is a tough move to master.
“Like most sports, the best technique is often the hardest to learn,” Abbott said.
Abbott says that armwrestlers enjoy a strong camaraderie and place a premium on sportsmanship. Veterans are always anxious to welcome those new to the sport and offer guidance and support.
“Once you get on the table it’s competitve,” Abbott said. “But, lots of times when it’s over you’ll see guys hug each other and tell each other good job.”
Gymnastics
Leading Edge athletes fare well at Fall Fest: All-around titles by Faith Batrack, 11, and McKenzie Swinger, 7, helped the Leading Edge Level 4 secure the championship at the Fall Fest competition in Olympia Nov. 10-11. Faith, of Everett, posted scores of 9.2 on the beam and 9.25 in the floor exercise en route to a 36.175 all-around. McKenzie, of Arlington, was best in her age group with a 35.725. Logan Rabel, 9, of Everett, took the uneven bars with a meet-best 9.525. In Level 5 competition, Trang Vu, 12, of Everett, earned the all-around with a 34.75 that included a 9.4 on the floor.
Soccer
Late goal lifts Snohomish United: Lauren Shatz scored in the 70th minute to help Snohomish United U16 girls to a 1-0 victory over Northpoint of Tacoma on Sunday. Goalkeeper Leah Boresema recorded the shutout.
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