LAKEWOOD On the scoreboard, the Cougars team was shellacked by the Archbishop Murphy Wildcats Thursday, Jan. 4, in the confines of their own gymnasium.
But on the mat itself, Lakewood competed in the Cascade Conference match with a lot of heart and determination.
Lakewood didnt exactly help their own cause with six forfeits in the league competition and veteran coach Tom OHara said he doesnt worry about the wins and losses nearly as much as individual improvement.
I am hoping that the guys that lost today and earlier in the season will return with wins at the end of the season, OHara said afterward.
Junior Aaron Leonard tallied three of the nine points with an 8-6 victory at the 160-lb. weight class.
Leonard led 3-2 after the first period and 5-4 after the second before pulling away with the hard fought victory.
Even though the Cougars only trailed by six at 9-3 after Leonards win, it was short lived with three forfeits immediately following it.
Senior Richard Baker forfeited at the 215-lb. weight class and battled his opponent to a scoreless tie after the first period.
Baker trailed 5-1 after the second period and was pinned in the third.
I think Richard kind of ran out of gas there at the end, OHara said.
Two-time state Mat Classic placer Steve Edmonds turned a 2-0 first period advantage into a second period pin over his opponent.
The win improved the seniors season record to 15-1.
OHara said Edmonds opponent was so upset that he refused the customary post-match handshake afterward.
The last time I met up with this guy I tore his elbow off, Edmonds said with a sly grin.
The talented teen said he has been working with OHara since last summer to leave LHS on a winning note.
My goal is to do well and I wont be disappointed if I dont place at state. I just want to feel good when I walk off the mat for the last time.
He is currently enrolled in Running Start at Everett Community College and said he plans to transfer to Brigham Young University to pursue a degree in either accounting or business.