Kuna took another big step toward returning as a wrestling powerhouse by finishing in third place this weekend at the state wrestling tournament.
Kuna finished behind current powerhouse Columbia, which completed its third consecutive state title with 293 points, well ahead of second-place finisher Blackfoot with 239.5 points. Kuna racked up 171.5 points, ahead of fourth place Nampa, with 122.5 points.“I’m still soaking it all in right now,” head coach Pat Owens said Monday. “I’m pretty proud of our team and proud of their performance this weekend.
Everyone performed at or above expectations.”Chief among them was freshman Michael Cook, who took home his first state championship in the 103-lbs. class. Cook made it look easy, finishing the tournament with a major decision, 14-4, in the championship match. “That’s what you get when you put in the time and work, I guess,” Cook said after his victory Saturday.
Michael Cook Kuna H.S. vs Layton Wasia Blackfoot H.S.- Idaho State Championship match.
Owens said the goal for the future for Cook is four state championships, something that no one from Kuna has achieved. Cook certainly made it look easy this weekend.
Michael Cook Kuna H.S. vs Layton Wasia Blackfoot H.S.- Idaho State Championship match.
"He's at that level," Owens said of Cook. "he's put in a lot of years of work. He's just a step above these guys."
Cook leads a team of young wrestlers. Out of Kuna's 14 state qualifiers, six were freshmen and 13 will be returning next year. This year's 14 state qualifiers improves on last year's total of 10 qualifiers. Kuna last won the state wrestling title in 2004 and finished third in 2005.
"We're definitely headed in the right direction," Owens said. "We are starting to rebuild that tradition of excellence that's been here before, and we're working on maintaining it."
In addition, Kuna narrowly missed out on earning the title of state academic champion, finishing with a cumulative 3.43 GPA, an achievement Owens holds in high regard.
In addition to Cook, Kuna received an all-around effort at the state tournament, with eight Kuna wrestlers placing:
Joey Dondero, a junior, lost in overtime in the championship match to defending state champion David Borden of Minico at 160.
Tyler Jaramillo, a freshman, lost in the championship match at 112 lbs for second place.
Cory Calhoun, 3rd at 189 lbs.
Gary Blair, 3rd at 215 lbs.
Kurtis Loftis, freshman, 3rd at 125 lbs.
Casey Cobb, freshman, 5th at 103 lbs.
Jordan Nolan, freshman, 5th at 145 lbs.
Kuna achieved its goal of bringing home a trophy this year, Owens said. And Kuna seems to be translating the success of its middle school program, which just completed its unprecedented 30th district championship this year.
"I definitely anticipate us being even better next year," Owens said. Whether Kuna can catch the dominant Columbia remains to be seen. Columbia likewise is returning several wrestlers next year.
"They're going to be tough again next year," Owens said. "they have a lot of young guys and a lot returning. But we're going to be looking to beat them next year."
