Washington Team Scores Victory at Tri-State ORCA Dual

Enumclaw High School's Josh Musick faced two strong opponents at this weekend's in Shasta, Calif., which saw the best wrestlers from Washington, Oregon and California come together and compete for the competition's trophy "The Dave Schultz Cup."  

According to Jacob Pence, a spokesperson for the event, Musick, who competed in the 152-pound class, couldn't quite pull ahead in either of his match-ups: first against Seth Thomas representing Oregon and then against Bret Schumann of California. 

But the scores were close, Pence said. Thomas, a three-time Oregon state champion at the 6A (largest) school division, scored a takedown early in the first round to go up 2-0, and Musick couldn't escape. In the second round, Musick was able to frustrate Thomas and ride him for the entire period. Musick earned a reversal to tie the match 2-2 in the third period, but Thomas eventually escaped and earned the victory in a close match 3-2.

Against Schumann, who was a sixth placer in this year's California state tourney, Musick gave up a take-down early to give a 2-0 lead to Schumann in the first round.  In the second round, Musick chose down and could not escape the long-bodied Schumann. Schumann chose bottom in the third round and held on for the victory. Musick was awarded one point for Schumann being called twice for stalling in the third period. The match finished with another close score of 2-1. 

In spite of the individual losses, the team from Washington was able to claim victory over both the Oregon and California teams.

"Washington came to the dual with an excellent team," said Pence. "All the wrestlers represented their state and hometowns well. ... Josh [Musick] and the rest of his teammates from Washington did great and had a lot of fun."