MILL CREEK — The Jackson wrestling team has a new look, both on the mat and on the sidelines.
The Timberwolves graduated six seniors from last year’s team and also gained a new head coach in George Schwope, who was elevated from his assistant position when former coach Blaine Gilchrist-Smith left to start up a program at Archbishop Murphy High School.
Schwope wrestled at Central Washington University and was an assistant coach at Eastlake High School, his alma mater for a year before coming to Jackson.
The transition was a smooth one, according to Jackson senior Charly Eaton.
“He’s mostly keeping the same practices we had as last year,” he said. “It’s no real big difference.”
The practices may not be much different but the Wolfpack lineup has undergone some significant changes with Eaton being one of the few remaining familiar faces. The 130-pounder is one of three returning Timberwolves, who advanced to the regional tournament. Sophomore Harrison Warner (215) and Jacob Houvener (189) also moved on to regionals, where the season ended for all three Wolfpack standouts.
The three are Jackson’s top postseason prospects.
“I think all three of them are possible state contenders,” Schwope said.
Warner and Houvener should benefit being almost the same size. Schwope expects the two to push themselves and those around them.
“They’re real close in weight and ability,” Schwope said. “When you’ve got a real combo like that it just tends to build a real good upper weight class. My 171-pounder is real good. Our heavyweights are both injured, but they’re both going to be real good. When you’ve got two guys … (they) tend to push themselves real hard.”
Aside from the three regional returners, the rest of the Jackson squad is young but possesses a lot of raw talent. Three freshmen are in the varsity lineup, which is dominated by sophomores.
Senior co-captain Kevin Fox (160) is a little surprised by how well the younger members of the team have responded.
“For their age, they’re doing real well and competing with the higher level upperclassmen,” he said.
They show up every day at practice and are dedicated to honing their skills, Fox added. “I think there’s a lot of talent in the underclassmen.”
Eaton agrees.
“There has been great improvement (in) the sophomore class in general,” Eaton said. “They’ve been placing pretty high in tournaments.”
Teams which overlook the Wolfpack because of its young lineup might be in for a rude awakening.
“I think we’ll surprise a lot of teams,” Fox predicted.
The sophomore class has come in with some good experience, which is a definite advantage for Schwope. A couple of the Timberwolves have freestyle experience.
“They’re real hard workers and so we’re able to take that and push them a little harder than this team has been pushed before,” Schwope said.
Fox is looking for a little redemption this season after being upset last year in the district tournament. Fox came seeded second in his division but his season ended prematurely at districts.
“I want to make it to regionals,” he said.
Eaton has advanced to regionals each of the last two years and is aiming to make it to state in his senior season.
“I’m pretty optimistic. I think my chances are looking pretty good,” said Eaton, who cited perseverance and hard work as the keys to his success.
With Everett clearly the class in the league, Jackson is looking to battle Mariner and Kamiak for second and third in the Western Conference 4A South Division, Schwope said.
And while the sophomore class might have some tough matches this season, Schwope is hoping the experience will pay dividends in the near future.
“I’m pushing to be No. 1 next year … with the younger class,” he said.
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