Wrestling: Einstein Grapplers battle for Sno-King District Crown

Einstein tournament placers (left to right):

Bottom Row: Noe Hills, Sophia Olivera, Paul Carson, Oliver Koenig, Connor Chung, Layne Thorne, Wyatt Johnson, Felix Schaber, Gavin Cook, 

Top Row: Sam Madden, Arlene Sanchez, Judah Botch, Guliana Park, CJ Fletcher, Andrew Brueck, Daniel Call, Axel Harsila, Micah Slater, Owen Sands, Leo Nemes, Mason Oliver, Coach Norton, Coach Crave, Coach Tibodeau

By Derek Norton

Girls Photographer: Avonlea Hostetler 

Boys Photographer: Tricia Norton & Lukas Probizanski

On Tuesday 3/31/2026 the Einstein Lady grapplers headed up to Kamiak High School to compete for individual district titles and a team title. Though they came up short of a top podium finish they battled and represented the Tigers well. 

Einstein girls team with coaches

Sophia Olivera pinned her semi-final opponent to earn her spot in the district finals before finishing as runner-up. A trio of 7th graders battled to 3rd place and the team finished in 9th place out of 15 teams. 

Individual girls placers were:

2nd Place: 

• Sophia Olivera 113 lbs

3rd place:

• Arlene Sanchez 108 lbs
• Noe Hills 113 lbs
• Giuliana Park 128 lbs

5th place:

• Sam Madden

During the regular season Einstein’s boy’s wrestling was unstoppable. 

Heading into the Sno-King South District Tournament on 4/01 a clash of unbeatens loomed. Harbour Pointe Middle School in Mukilteo had breezed through the North division in coach Brian Snelling’s final season. Snelling has won many district titles in his 32 years as the Hawk’s head coach and felt this year his unbeaten squad should win another. 

Einstein’s depth and a tough Brier Terrace squad were the undoing of Harbor Pointe’s run. Einstein also capitalized on their knack for pinning their opponents, racking up the most pins of any team and maximizing their team score. 

Einstein had fourteen wrestlers finish in the top 3 at the tournament and outpaced surprise 2nd place Brier Terrace Middle School 253.5 - 231.5. Einstein, Brier Terrace, and Harbor Pointe led the way with each team crowning four individual champions. 

Boys 1st Place 
Top (L-R) Paul Carson, Connor Chung
Bottom: Andrew Brueck, Axel Harsila

Individual boys placers for Einstein were:

1st Place:

• Paul Carson 98 lbs
• Connor Chung 108 lbs
• Andrew Brueck 133 lbs
• Axel Harsila 140 lbs

2nd Place:

• Oliver Koenig 103 lbs
• CJ Fletcher 118 lbs
• Daniel Call 128 lbs
• Gavin Cook 167 lbs
• Felix Schaber 248 lbs

3d Place:

• Tim Gibbs 113 lbs
• Wyatt Johnson 123 lbs
• Owen Sands 157 lbs
• Layne Thorne 178 lbs
• Micah Slater 218 lbs

5th Place:

• Judah Botch 148 lbs
• Leo Nemes 188 lbs
• Mason Oliver 218 lbs

Final Team Scores:

• Einstein 253.5
• Brier Terrace 231.5
• Harbor Pointe 225.0
• Meadowdale 194.0
• College Place 135.5
• Kellogg 134.0
• Alderwood 122.0

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Einstein Wrestling goes undefeated in regular season

By Tricia Norton

When the last whistle blew on Thursday to conclude the Einstein regular wrestling season, the Tigers completed an undefeated season. The final match concluded with a score of 78 to 36 over the Kellogg Knights, increasing the margin of victory from the first time they defeated the Knights on March 10, 2026 at 71 to 42.

1st row: Paul Carson, CJ Fletcher, 2nd row: Daniel Call, Andrew Brueck, 3rd row: Axel Harsila, Owen Sands. Photos by Tricia Norton

During the season, the Tigers outscored the other school in each of their 6 team duals, averaging 73 team points to an average of 34 points put up by their opponents. 

The statistic is even more startling when you consider that Einstein lacked wrestlers to fill the three lowest weight classes this year, thus giving up 18 points to most of the opposing schools. Einstein averaged 10 pins per dual. Against one school the Tigers pinned their opponents in the first round in 13 of the 16 matches wrestled.

Six Tigers went undefeated this year: 

• Paul Carson at 98 pounds, 
• CJ Fletcher at 118 pounds, 
• Daniel Call at 128 pounds, 
• Andrew Brueck at 133 pounds, 
• Axel Harsila at 140 pounds, and 
• Owen Sands at 157 pounds. 

L-R Conor Chung, Judah Botch. Not pictured: Tim Gibbs, Felix Schaber
Photo by Tricia Norton

Several other wrestlers finished the season with just one loss, including 

• Conor Chung, 
• Judah Botch, 
• Tim Gibbs, 
• Felix Schaber.

Coach Norton, who is finishing his 24th year as the Tiger Head Coach said, 

We have a really fun group of wrestlers this year and the wins have come from up and down the lineup. I love seeing them grow and learn. The wins are a reflection of their progress and tenacity. I’m excited to add the eighth grade athletes to the Shorewood roster next year.”

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Former Shorewood wrestler achieves Collegiate All American Honor at NJCAA Championship

Tibodeau gets pin in first match of the tournament

Story and Photos by Tricia Norton

Three former Shorewood wrestlers took the mat March 6, 2026 in Council Bluffs, Iowa representing Big Bend Community College and Indian Hills Community College. 

Isabella Crave (SW class of 2025) and Hunter Tibodeau (SW class of 2023) qualified as part of the Big Bend (WA) team. Libby Norton (SW class of 2025) took the mat for Indian Hills Community College (IA).

(Left) Tibodeau on podium--All American, 8th place

Tibodeau wrestled for Big Bend this season as a heavyweight. He qualified for Nationals, placing 2nd in the NCJAA West Region 18. In the National Championships, he battled through his bracket, finishing in 8th place, becoming an All American. 

Shorewood coach Derek Norton said, “I am so proud of Hunter. He is, to my knowledge, the first Shorewood wrestler to become a collegiate All American.”

Tibodeau battled several injuries this season and said that while he hoped to place higher than 8th, “[becoming an All American] made the season feel worth it.” Tibodeau is joining the Einstein wrestling coaching staff to help train the next generation of champions.

Crave with pin in first match of tournament.

Izzy Crave and Libby Norton both missed the podium, losing out in the blood rounds of the National Invitational tournament. Crave won both of her first matches by pin. 

Indian Hills, 6x National Champions

Norton sustained a shoulder injury while winning her first match that hampered her progression. They both plan to be back next year and All American, following in Hunter’s footsteps.

Norton victorious in first match of the tournament

While she didn’t make the podium, Norton scored 18 points for her team in the tournament, helping contribute to the overall team victory. 

Indian Hills won both the men's and women’s tournament, making six straight national titles for the women of Indian Hills.

After the weekend Norton explained, 

“It’s so exciting to watch kids from Shorewood move on and compete at the collegiate level and succeed on a national stage.”

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Finley Houck in running for The Herald's Prep Athlete of the Week

Finley Houck. Photo by
Leyton Houck

Vote here

Shorewood wrestler Finley Houck is a candidate for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 8-14.

Finley won the 3A girls 115 lb State Champion with a decisive 9-1 major decision in her finals bout. 

Houck is also the first girl to be a 4-time state placer, and only the 2nd Shorewood wrestler ever to achieve this honor.

Voting closes at midnight Sunday.

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Shoreline wrestling teams at State - Six podium finishes and solid team performances

Shorewood's Finley Houck - State Champion

By Tricia Norton

Thursday and Friday, February 19-20, 2026 the 3A wrestlers battled it out for Washington State Championships at Mat Classic 37. Both Shorecrest and Shorewood were well represented and had 9 (5 boys and 4 girls.) and 13 (8 boys and 5 girls) competitors respectively. 

After two long days of grinding, the Stormrays and Scots did Shoreline proud with 6 podium finishers, including three finalists resulting in one state champion.

Shorecrest boys placed 33rd out of the 73 teams in the 3A tournament. 

The team earned points with wins by juniors Jakob Grimm (157 lbs), and Cameron Arseneaux (175 lbs). 

 Shorecrest's Zadrin Morga Baisac (left)
Photo by Tim Moser

Team podium placers included Gideon Ryder (8th place at 120 lbs), Zadrin Morga-Baisac (8th at 126 lbs) and Avi Wylen, (2nd at 150 lbs.) Wylen’s finals match was a battle, and while he was up early in the match, he lost in an 8-4 decision. Wylen’s senior season has been remarkable, as he went into the state tournament with a 47-4 record. 

Shorecrest's Avi Wylen (left) Photo by Tim Moser

Coach Louis Uhm commented, “Having the opportunity to coach an athlete like Avi doesn’t happen very often. He has left an indelible mark on the Shorecrest program. Through his selfless leadership and mentoring his underclassmen, he leaves the team much better than when he found it. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to be one of his coaches. The world needs more like “Avi.” 

The Scots' head coach Bryan Officer said, “We have big shoes to fill next year with Avi and our other senior leaders graduating. I’m very proud of the hard work our team put forth this year. The foundation has been set for our returning wrestlers to build upon.”

On the Shorecrest girls side, freshman Zheray Morga-Baisac (100), sophomore Atilana McCool (105), and senior Camille Alfonse (115) all put up points for the Scots' 55th place out of the 64 teams competing.

Shorewood Podium finisher Emi Olivera in blue & black
Photo by Leyton Houck

The Shorewood Stormrays also had 3 podium finishers. Junior Emi Olivera-Matias placed 8th at 106 lbs. Sophomore Lukas Probizanski placed 2nd at 190 lbs losing to a familiar foe, senior Carmelo Larocca from Edmonds Woodway, 6-10. The two wrestled four times this season with Probizanski winning the first two meetings and Larocca winning the final two.

Shorewood's Lukas Probizanski in blue.
Photo by Tim Moser

For the girls, Stormray senior Finley Houck became Shorewood’s second girl’s wrestling state champion and secured the school’s fifth wrestling title winning the 3A girls 115 lb State Champion with a decisive 9-1 major decision in her finals bout. Houck is also the first girl to be a 4-time state placer, only the 2nd Shorewood wrestler ever to achieve this honor.

State champion Shorewood's Finley Houck
Photo by Leyton Houck

Shorewood Boys took 26th overall and the Girls took 32nd overall with the points accumulated by wins from freshman Derek (Ben) Norton (106 lbs) and Easten Edens (113 lbs), senior Yaphet Habtom (120 lbs), junior Max Uckun (157 lbs), sophomore Kai Graham (165 lbs), and junior Sarah Norton (145 lbs).

Coach Derek Norton said, “What a great weekend! Our boys and girls left it all out there and we couldn’t be more proud. They are really learning to fall in love with the process of becoming great and it showed.

Four-time state placers don’t walk into the wrestling room very often and it has been a privilege to work with Finley these past five years.”

Coach Brady Houck noted, “For Finley, this was a fitting conclusion to an incredible career. She wrestled an exceptionally smart and disciplined finals match to neutralize a very dangerous opponent. She’s such a smart and crafty wrestler and it was great to see her fully utilizing those traits in winning her state title.”

Coach Norton and Coach Houck both look forward to next year. Houck explained the power of getting the chance to compete at the Mat Classic, “It was good to get some of next year’s returners state experience this year. Next year they’ll be ready to do some damage here.”

Follow the offseason action and get ready for next year when our Shoreline wrestlers prepare for their next chance at the podium. @scot_wrestling, @shorewoodwrestling

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Shorewood Wrestling sending 13 to State Tournament

Max Uckun over Mount Vernon
Photo by Happiness Angkel

By Tricia Norton

Saturday February 7, 2026, Shorewood boys faced off against WesCo South, Oak Harbor and Mount Vernon for the WIAA District 1 South Championships at Edmonds Woodway High School.

Shorewood filled all 26 of their possible bracket seeds, with 19 of the 26 athletes scoring points that contributed to the team’s overall 3rd place finish.

L-R Emi Olivera, Kai Graham, Yaphet Habtom, Eli Jeppsen, Max Uckun, Lukas Probizanski,
Easten Edens, Ben Norton, An Tran.
Photo by Tricia Norton

Boys team results

• Placers included Max Eaglehead, 8th, Matbeal Dinka, 6th, and Eli Jeppsen, 5th (state alternate.)
• Shorewood had four athletes take third place including freshmen Ben Norton (106) and Easten Edens (113), junior An Tran (126) and sophomore Kai Graham (165).
• Senior Yaphet Habtom (120), junior Emi Olivera, and sophomore Lukas Probizanski all took 2nd.

Max Uckun wrestled his way to a WesCo South title at 157 lbs defeating Shorecrest Junior Jacob Grimm for the second time this season in a 7-4 decision.

“This was the deepest field Shorewood has faced at districts since we dropped down to 3A in 2012. The boys and girls all wrestled extremely well and battled through adversity,” said Head Coach Derek Norton after Saturday’s district tournaments in Stanwood and Edmonds.

“While we didn’t take first in as many weights as we thought we would, we wrestled really well. I’m looking forward to taking this group of athletes to the Tacoma Dome.”

L-R: Ulyana Remizova, Sarah Norton, Finley Houck, Vivian Sherrard, Lynn Ou
Photo by Shawn Van Horn

In Stanwood, the girls team placed five athletes in the top 9. 

Coach Brady Houck said, “We didn’t expect to end the season with only 5 girls able to compete. It’s been rough battling through so many challenges.

"But to come in with 5, and to take all 5 to State, is a testament to how hard these girls have worked.”

Senior Lynn Ou (100) placed 9th. Freshman Vivian Sherrard (100) placed 7th. Sophomore Ulyana Remizova (235) placed 5th. 

Junior Sarah Norton (145) placed 3rd, pinning five opponents as she made her way up through the consolation bracket. 

Senior Finley Houck earned her place on top of the podium with 2 pins and technical fall. Finley is Shorewood’s first four time district champion since Coach Norton took over in 2008. She was also voted District 1 3A Athlete of the Year.

Several Shorewood wrestlers are ranked in the top 10 in their weights. The Mat Classic State Tournament starts Thursday February 19th at the Tacoma Dome.

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Wrestling: Shorewood Boys go to 5-1 in League Duals as they defeat Lynnwood 60-24

Seniors L-R Front: Varun Nair, Happiness Angkel, Eli Jeppsen, Yaphet Haptom, Lynn Ou, Ellie Van Horn, Finely Houck, John Pernia, Eoin Ritter.
Back Row L-R: Malakai McQueen, Noah Eaglehead, Finn Grote, Babou Cham

Article by Tricia Norton

Photos by Shawn Van Horn and Tricia Norton

The final home dual of the Shorewood wrestling season highlighted the Stormray best. The team celebrated their 13 seniors, warmed up to the amazing rhythms of the Shorewood drumline, and soundly defeated the Lynnwood Royals.

The meet started with a Junior Varsity match where the Stormrays came away with a 42 to 12 victory aided by wins from An Tran, Andy Hegerberg, Vincent Ariano, Jack Uckun, Hussein Mousa, Toshi Taura, Happy Angkel, and Justin Widnyana.

Shorewood drumline

The Shorewood drumline hyped the crowd as the varsity teams warmed up and prepared to honor the seniors. The coaches shared memories and future plans for each of the seniors, many of whom have been wrestling for Coach Norton for six years. 

The senior wrestlers included three members of the girls team, Finley Houck, Lynn Ou, and Ellie Van Horn. 

Above: Babou Cham
Below: Eli Jeppsen

On the boys side, seniors included Happiness Angkel, Babou Cham, Noah Eaglehead, Finn Grote, Yaphet Habtom, Eli Jeppsen, Malakai McQueen, Varun Nair, John Pernia and Eoin Ritter. 

Eoin Ritter, left

The drumline punctuated the honors for each student with a unique cadence. Coach Norton commented, “This is a great group of seniors who will leave behind a legacy of hard work and determination for their teammates who follow after.”

Above: Lynn Ou
Below: Finley Houck

Shorewood girls wrestled exhibition matches before the boys dual. Seniors Lynn Ou and Finley Houck came away with wins, setting the tone for the boys match to come.

The Stormrays took an early lead as they pinned their first 3 opponents, and received a forfeit at 113 pounds. Two freshman set high bars for the night. Ben Norton got the fastest pin at 106 lbs in :48 seconds while Easten Edens showed stamina getting his pin in deep in the third period. Senior Yaphet Habtom got to represent the senior class well, pinning his opponent early in the second period.

Above: Malakai McQueen
Below: Yaphet Habtom

Then Lynnwood nearly leveled the score with 3 straight pins. At 150 pounds the match shifted back to Shorewood control and Stormrays Eli Jeppsen, Max Uckun, Kai Graham, Lukas Probizanski, and Babou Cham all came away with pins. Lynnwood also gave up a forfeit at 285 pounds.

Each wrestled match ended in a pin, Lynnwood capturing 4, but Shorewood running away with 8 pins and 2 forfeits, creating a final score of 60 to 24. With this decisive win, Shorewood went to 5-1 on the season for league matches, their only conference loss to Edmonds Woodway who went on to take 2nd place at the 3A Dual State meet Saturday January 31st.

Coach Brady Houck commented that, “this was a particularly meaningful night, since my daughter is a senior on the team. It’s bittersweet to see her and the other seniors being celebrated, knowing that their time with the team is coming to an end.

"That said, it was an amazing night, and it was great to see everybody get appropriately recognized for all that they’ve done for the team. It was an unforgettable night.”

Box Score: Shorewood 60 Lynnwood 24

• 106: Ben Norton (SW) pinned Noah Richards (:48)
• 113: Emi Olivera (SW) received forfeit
• 120: Easten Edens (SW) pinned Dylan Por (5:31)
• 126: Yaphet Habtom pinned Edward Lim (2:36)
• 132: Ashton Myers (LW) pinned Matbeal Dinka (2:44)
• 138 Braedyn Clark (LW) pinned Eoin Ritter (1:11)
• 144: Gabriel Robbins (LW) pinned John Pernia (1:23)
• 150: Eli Jeppsen (SW) pinned Jared Sum (2:39)
• 157: Max Uckun (SW) pinned Landon Stull (4:57)
• 165: Kai Graham (SW) pinned Ivan Xu (1:48)
• 175: Elijah Howel (LW) pinned Finn Grote (3:06)
• 190: Luka Probizanski (SW) pinned Caleb Gately (1:10)
• 215: Babou Cham (SW) pinned Mohammed Aoune (5:23)
• 285 Noah Eaglehead (SW) received forfeit

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Shorewood Wrestling inducts 28 Educators into their Teacher Hall of Fame and Qualifies for Dual State Tournament

Each member of the Shorewood wrestling team with the teacher who inspired them

On Tuesday January 27, 2026 Shorewood wrestlers invited the teachers who have inspired them over the years to be recognized and admitted as the inaugural class of the Shorewood Wrestling Teacher Hall of Fame. 

 “Our athletes are students first, and their work in the classroom prepares them for what they can do on the wrestling mat,” said Coach Derek Norton.

“We wanted to bring out the teachers and thank and honor them for all they do to set our team up for success. Also, once you’ve seen a wrestling match--you know it’s the most exciting sport to watch.”

Each wrestler invited a teacher or educator to the ceremony. In their nominations, wrestlers noted that teachers had helped them learn kindness, organization, public speaking skills, science, math, as well as the importance of hard work and persistence.

A ceremony honored the teachers ahead of the match

The honorees included Shorewood staff: Mr. Baker, Mr. Bagley, Madame Bel Abbes, Ms. Burrows, Ms. Chelimer, Ms. Fawcett, Ms. Fletcher, Ms. Gonzalez, Ms. Han, Ms. Johnsen, Ms. Mann, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Messner, Ms. Mills, Mr. Proudlove, Ms. Ryan, Ms. Silver, Mr. St. Louis, Mr. Villanueva, and. Mr. Zeigler. 

Wrestlers also invited: Mrs. Borovina and Ms. Kusher (Meridian Park), Ms. Houck, Mr. Riley and Mr. Reni (Einstein), Mrs. Williams (Highland Terrace), Ms. Brown (Home Education Exchange), Carl Yost (Parkwood), and Mr. Flannagan (Holy Rosary).

Team members with the teachers they honored

The match following the ceremony was intense, as Shorewood battled against Meadowdale, the two vying for the final berth in the first ever Dual State Tournament for 3A. 

The Mavericks started strong with a quick pin over Shorewood’s Matthew Call. Then Shorewood picked up three straight wins: Eli Jeppsen with an overtime victory over Leo Tassani, Max Uckun with a major decision over Tobin Kantner-Blakeslee, and Kai Graham with a tech fall over Mathew Sleipness.

Four straight losses for the Stormrays followed, but freshman Toshi Taura and senior Babou Cham only gave up decisions, keeping Shorewood in the match.

Freshman Ben Norton and junior Emi Olivera picked up pins to tie the match at 24. Easten Edens lost, but held Maverick Melyk Valencia to a decision as the score went to 24-27 in the Maverick’s favor. 

Junior Matbeal Dinka (right) picked up a critical pin

Shorewood senior Yaphet Habtom then accepted a forfeit and junior Matbeal Dinka picked up a critical pin over Meadowdale’s John Juarez. Stormray senior Eoin Ritter forced a decision in his loss to Maverick Hector Castro, creating a tight final score of Shorewood 36, Meadowdale 30.

Shorewood’s Coach Norton commented, “We’ve had many close matches with Meadowdale over the years. Sometimes we haven’t come out on top.

"I’m so proud of this team and all their hard work. I’m looking forward to Dual State. We’ve shown we can work together and put points on the board.” 

The Stormray victory puts their league record at 4-1.

The wrestlers demonstrated how much they have learned about persistence as they put it all out there on the mat.

As junior Justin Widnyana explained, [teachers] push and encourage us to get better, to find our walls and break them down, not only as wrestlers, but in life as well.”

Box Score: Shorewood 36, Meadowdale 30

• 144 Christopher Ramirez (MD) pinned Matthew Call (:49)
• 150 Elijah Jeppsen (SW) overtime decision over Leo Tassani (13-10)
• 157 Maximus Uckun (SW) major decision over Tobin Kantner-Blakeslee (12-2)
• 165 Hezikiah Graham (SW) technical fall over Mathew Sleipness (18-0)
• 175 Samir Muhic (MD) pinned Finn Grote (:33)
• 190 Brandon Shaw (MD) decision over Toshi Taura (7-6)
• 215 Jamier Perry (MD) decision over Baboucarr Cham (3-2)
• 285 Jaxson Hulbert (MD) pinned Matthew Kelly (:25)
• 106 Ben Norton (SW) pinned Justice Klesick (1:33)
• 113 Emi Olivera (SW) pinned Miguel De Paula (1:19)
• 120 Melyk Valencia (MD) decision over Easten Edens (18-11)
• 126 Yaphet Habtom (SW) forfeit
• 132 Matbeal Dinka (SW) pinned John Juarez (3:45)
• 138 Hector Castro (MD) decision over Eoin Ritter (6-2)

--Tricia Norton

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Shorewood Boys wrestling defeats Shorecrest to keep the Spartan Cup

Shorewood wrestlers celebrate Spartan Cup win
Photo by Kristi Lin

By Tricia Norton

Last year the Spartan Cup very nearly went back to Shorecrest, but the Stormrays pulled out a one point victory over the Scots. This year the Stormrays took on a short-handed Scots team and built a decisive lead early on in the match. 

Shorewood won 8 of the 12 matches wrestled, then also benefited from 2 empty spots in the Scot lineup. Nearly all of the matches went the full 3 periods, making for an exciting night of wrestling.

The match started at 285 lbs. Senior Babou Cham bumped up from 215 lb to the 285 lb weight class to take on freshman heavyweight Juan Sanders, gradually increasing his lead to ten points for a major decision. 

Freshman Ben Norton took a forfeit, then won an exhibition match against Scot Skyler Miller. Emi Olivera-Matias returned to Shorewood’s lineup and got a quick pin over Ethan Johnson. 

The next match was a serious battle between SW freshman Easten Edens and Shorecrest’s Gideon Ryder. Ryder was able to pull off a 3 point decision to finally put Shorecrest on the board. 

In the next 3 matches, Shorewood again worked all 3 periods to land decisions: Yaphet Habtom over Zadrin Morga-Baisac, Matbeal Dinka over Laith Salem, and Max Eaglehead over Jayden Gay. 

Shorecrest prevailed at 144 and 150, with wins by Neta Navot and Avi Wylen.

Shorewood junior Max Uckun pinned Scot Jakob Grimm in the second period to end the 157 pound match, and sophomore Kai Graham won in a major decision over Shorecrest’s Milo Hamilton. 

To put their final points on the board, Shorecrest’s Cameron Arseneaux got a major decision at 175 pounds over Stormray junior Mohan Liu. Toshi Taura accepted the forfeit for Shorewood at 190 pounds. 

Sophomore Lukas Probizanski bumped up to 215 to get a quick pin over Shorecrest’s Carter Lamb putting the final score at Shorewood 47, Shorecrest 17.

Head Coach Derek Norton said, “Shorecrest has a good team this year. We were sure it was going to be a close match. I was really proud of our team as they kept grinding match after match and coming away with major decisions. It feels good to have the Spartan Cup staying at Shorewood again this year.”

The Stormrays have three matches left in their season. Friday January 23 @ Mountlake Terrace High School, Tuesday January 27th and Thursday January 29th both at home. All Varsity meets begin at 7pm.

Shorewood v. Shorecrest 47-17

Box Score

• 285 Babou Cham (SW) major decision over Juan Sanders (SC) 15-5
• 106 Derek (Ben) Norton (SW) forfeit
• 113 Emi Olivera-Matias (SW) pinned Ethan Johnson (SC) 1:42
• 120 Gideon Rider (SC) decision over Easten Edens (SW) 9-5
• 126 Yaphet Habtom (SW) decision over Zadrin Morga-Baisac (SC) 7-3
• 132 Matbeal Dinka (SW) decision over Laith Salem (SC) 10-6
• 138 Maximus Eaglehead (SW) over Jayden Gay (SC) 9-7
• 144 Neta Navot (SC) major decision over Eljah Jepsen (SW) 10-0
• 150 Avi Wylen (SC) pinned Matthew Call (SW) 0:42
• 157 Maximus Uckun (SW) pinned Jakob Grimm (SC) 3:41
• 165 Kai Graham (SW) major decision over Milo Hamilton (SC) 13-2
• 175 Cameron Arseneaux (SC) major decision over Mohan Liu (SW) 10-1
• 190 Toshi Taura (SW) forfeit
• 215 Lukas Probizanski (SW) pinned Carter Lamb 0:16

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Stormray Wrestler Wins Kelso’s Braided 64 Top Honors & Achieves 100 Win Award

Finley Houck celebrates 100th win

Article by Tricia Norton

Photos by Shawn Van Horn and Adrienne Houck

Shorewood Senior Finley Houck is making Stormray wrestling history. Over winter break she wrestled at the Sierra Nevada Classic Reno, placing 3rd and achieving her 100th high school victory. 

Coach Brady Houck commented, “This is a huge achievement for any wrestler, but especially huge for Finley after missing most of the 2024-25 season due to injury.”

Houck continued her tournament victory run earning 2nd place at the Gut Check Tournament in her bracket of 32. Then the Stormrays headed to Kelso, to participate in the Braided 64, the largest high school girls tournament in the country. Houck’s bracket at 115 lbs included 70 wrestlers.

Finley Houck wins top honors at Kelso meet in a field of 70

Houck faced each opponent down, pinning five of her six opponents. In the finals match, she pinned her opponent Lucy Hornby of WF West just 17 seconds into the second period.

“Finley is the first ever Stormray Kelso Champion,” said head Coach Derek Norton. “That’s an awesome accomplishment.”

“We are really excited for the rest of Finley’s senior season. She’s been such a great leader and mentor to our newer girls who each got at least one win at Kelso as well,” said Coach Brady. “She’s a good example of setting your goals high and going for them. We couldn’t be more proud of her and our team.”

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Shorewood Wrestling at Everett Girls Tournament and first ever Shorewood Invitational

Above: Everett Invitational Champions
Below: Everett Invitational Shorewood Girls Team

By Tricia Norton

December was prime wrestling time for the Shorewood wrestlers. On December 13, 2025 the Shorewood Girls team traveled to Everett for the Girls Invitational. It was a great day for the Stormrays who took home first place medals in two varsity and two junior varsity brackets.

Finley Houck setting up a pin

Senior Finley Houck came in as the first seed at 120 lbs and did not disappoint. 

Houck made her way to the podium by way of two first round pins and a technical fall.

Ellie Van Horn with a strong pin

Senior Ellie Van Horn battled her way through four matches in the 140 lb bracket, coming through with pins in all four. 

The two seniors also cheered on their new freshman teammates as they both won their JV brackets. 

Juliet Moser looking for a pin call
Photo by Tim Moser

Vivian Sherrard and Juliet Moser each won their round robin: 

Sherrard came through with 2 pins and technical fall.  

Moser pinned each of her opponents, two of them in under 30 seconds. 

Senior Lynn Ou won 2 of the 3 in her JV round robin, taking home 2nd place.

On December 20th Shorewood hosted the first ever Shorewood Invitational

Five teams gathered to put their athletes to the test before the winter break. While Edmonds Woodway took home the team title, Shorewood placed six wrestlers in the top three.

Third place finishes by junior Matbeal Dinka (132 lbs), senior Eion Ritter (138 lbs), sophomore Kai Graham (165 lbs), and senior Babou Cham (215 lbs) helped the team secure 3rd place overall. 

Top: Lukas Probizanski defeats Larocca of Edmonds Woodway
Below: Max Uckun with takedown

Junior Max Uckun (157 lbs) and sophomore Lukas Probizanski (190 lbs) both finished the day 3-0 to take home top honors. Both athletes are going into the winter break with only 2 losses on the season.

The tournament was also a great community event. Pilgrim Coffee (owned by the father of two former Shorewood wrestlers) came out with their truck. The Shorewood families volunteered time and food to help put on a great tournament. This may be the first of many Shorewood Invitationals.

Shorewood Invitational Wrestlers after successful Shorewood Invitational

Next up for the Stormrays, the boys head to Oregon for a dual team tournament while the girls compete at the Gut Check tournament at Showare Center. 

Be sure to check out the Stormrays at their next home meets--BLACKOUT WEEK! (Girls) January 12, 2026 vs. Glacier Peak and Arlington @ 6pm and (Boys) January 16th vs crosstown rival Shorecrest @ 7pm (JV 5:45pm).

--Photos by Shawn Van Horn & Tim Moser

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Shorewood Boys Wrestling goes up 3-0 on the season

Story and photos by Trish Norton

An exciting 41-39 finish at Jackson High School put Shorewood up 3-0 on their dual meet season in 2025. 

They kicked off their season on Thursday December 5, 2025 hosting Cascade High School. Shorewood put up 62 points against the Bruins, including nine wins by pin.

An Tran pins Kamiak’s Ridha Alnaiema 

Shorewood traveled to Jackson on Tuesday December 9 to take on Jackson and Kamiak in a double dual. 

“We didn’t get as many quick pins against Kamiak [as we did against Cascade], but we wrestled patiently, waited for opportunities, and then capitalized on them,” said coach Derek Norton. 

Four of Shorewood’s seven pins came in late in the match as the Stormrays showed patience and stamina. Overall Shorewood finished the match with two technical falls, seven pins and a decision to end the match on top of Kamiak 55-24.

Eli Jeppsen prepares for a restart with Jackson’s Isaiah Van Diest

In the Jackson match things were much closer. “Jackson was scrappy,” said Norton. 

Shorewood fell behind with four straight losses as things kicked off. Despite two forfeits awarding Shorewood 12 points, the Stormrays still needed a perfect second half of the match to overcome the deficit created by the early losses and upcoming forfeits. 

Shorewood answered the call with four straight pins and a tech fall to finish the match, final score 41-39.

Next the Stormrays take on Marysville-Getchell @ Marysville-Getchell. The next home meet for Shorewood is the Shorewood Invitational on Saturday December 20th, starting at 9:30am.

Stormray Kai Graham sets up a pin on Jackson’s Tony Guizar

Box Score Shorewood v. Cascade 62-18

106 FF (SW) Saeed Raman
113 Emi Olivera (SW) pin Preston Chao (1:27)
120 Alex Boe-Flores (Cas) pin Derek Norton (1:15)
126 Easten Edens (SW) pin Matthew Osbjornsen (1:16)
132 Matbeal Dinka (SW) pin Ryan Nhim (:18)
138 Yaphet Habtom (SW) FF
144 Jamie Le (Cas) pin Max Eaglehead (3:52)
150 John Pernia (SW) pin Adam McPherson (1:11)
157 Eli Jeppsen (SW) pin Nour Quandeel (:57)
165 Maximus Uchkum (SW) decision Matthew Barclay (7-1)
175 Kai Graham tech fall Jaden Phan (20-3)
190 Lukas Probizanski (SW) pin Eli Higginson (1:51)
215 Babou Cham (SW) pin Johnny Coxcahua (1:20)
285 Noah Eaglehead (SW) pin Vincent Cho (1:16)

Max Uchkun pins Kamiak’s Jaiden Yoon

Box Score Shorewood v. Kamiak 55-24

106 FF (SW) Monte Bessin
113 Ben Norton (SW) pin Tony Ordonez (:39)
120 Easten Edens (SW) tech fall Andrew Do (16-0)
126 Nelson Topher (KAM) pin Justin Widyana (1:16)
132 Matbeal Dinka (SW) pin Micah Arceo (5:15)
138 An Tran (SW) pin Ridha Alnaiema (4:42)
144 Nicky Huff (KAM) pin Max Eaglehead (1:20)
150 Eoin Ritter (SW) pin Nicholas Nunez (4:02)
157 Eli Jeppsen (SW) pin Max Debolt (1:59)
165 Max Uchkum (SW) pin Jaiden Yoon (3:40)
175 Kai Graham tech fall Ian Park (17-2)
190 Lukas Probizanski (SW) pin Kibeom Kwon (1:57)
215 Babou Cham (SW) decision Ethan Pablo (7-1)
285 Daniel Titarchuk (KAM) medical default Noah Eaglehead

  Lukas Probizanski (SW) pins Jackson's Carson Gilbert

Box Score Shorewood v. Jackson 41-39

113 Jaden Nguyen (JACK) tech fall Ben Norton (18-3)
120 Easten Edens (SW) FF
126 Talon Pyle (JACK) FF
132 MatBeal Dinka (SW) FF
138 Casey Peterson (JACK) major decision An Tran (10-0)
144 Ryan Lee (JACK) pin Max Eaglehead (2:56)
150 Westen Moore (JACK) pin Eoin Ritter (5:27)
157 Eli Jeppsen (SW) pin Isaiah Van Diest (1:49)
165 Max Uchkum (SW) pin Connor Carrillo (:49)
175 Kai Graham pin Tony Guizar (5:22)
190 Lukas Probizanski (SW) pin Carson Gilbert (1:14)
215 Babou Cham (SW) tech fall Elias Griffin (15-0)
285 Connor Woods (JACK) FF
106 Caden Nakajima (JACK) FF

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Shorewood crowns First Girls Wrestling State Champ

L-R Shorewood State Team 2025 (Back Row) Anna Bond, Sarah Norton, Ellie Van Horn, Izzy Crave, Sky Klein, Emi Olivera, Max Uckun, Masa Taura, Lukas Probizanski, Yaphet Habtom (Front Row) Aly Fellores, Lynn Ou, Libby Norton (not pictured are state qualifiers Finley Houck & Abi Chishungu)

Article and Photos by Tricia Norton

The Stormrays qualified 14 athletes to compete in the State Tournament in Tacoma on February 20th and 21. 2025. 

Returning State Placer Abi Chishungu withdrew from the tournament due to injury, so the Stormray Girls knew it would be a challenge to break the top 20 this year. 

Head Coach Derek Norton said, “Now that we knew we would be out of the running for a team trophy, it was up to the individuals to shine, and they erupted into a supernova.”

Senior Izzy Crave pinned her way to a 5th place finish. Coach Brady Houck noted that, “Izzy bounced back from a tough loss to win her medal match. She’s worked hard for four years and deserved that medal.”

Both Libby Norton and Finley Houck had dramatic wins in their semi-final matches, making history as they wrestled back to back for the top spot on the podium in their respective weight classes. Shorewood has never had two finalists in the same year.

Libby Norton, State Champ

Senior Libby Norton became Shorewood’s first female state champion, pinning all 5 of her opponents before the end of the 2nd period. 

“Going into the tournament, no one had me ranked above 4th in the 105 lb weight class. Nobody thought I could win it. I guess they were wrong,” said Norton after her exhilarating win over Kelso’s Leah Wallway. 

Coach Houck also commented about Libby, noting that there were a couple of times when she ended up on her back, “but she stayed determined and kept herself in the match until she got the opportunity to put it away.”

Finley Houck finished 2nd in State

Junior Finley Houck stormed into the finals, facing senior and 3 time undefeated Washington State champion Libby Roberts of University High School (Spokane) looking for her 4th title. 

Coach Houck commented, “I’m extremely proud of Finley for making it to the finals when it really looked like she wasn’t going to be able to wrestle again this year due to injury. Her opponent in the finals is probably the best girl in the state at any weight class, and Finley didn’t just wrestle to survive, she wrestled to win.”

Dads & Daughters (L-R) Brady & Finley Houck, Nate & Izzy Crave, Derek & Libby Norton

All three of the Shorewood medalists are the daughters of members of the Shorewood coaching staff. Nate Crave and Derek Norton both wrestled for Shorewood (Class of ‘98 and ‘97 respectively). Brady Houck wrestled at Woodinville High School.

The girls team took 15th place overall, boosted by points scored in wins by senior Aly Fellores and sophomore Sarah Norton.

The Stormray boys state team included no returning state participants. The boys battled, with Emi Olivera, Yaphet Habtom, Masa Taura, Sky Klein and Lukas Probizanski each scoring points for the team. 

Taura and Probizanski both powered through to the round of 12 on day 2, but lost in the blood rounds and missed the podium by one win.

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Shorecrest Scots send 10 wrestlers to State

State bound Shorecrest boys wrestling team
Photo by Alys Wylend

Capping off a successful season, the Shorecrest Scots have 10 wrestlers who have qualified for the State Tournament this week. 

Able to fill a full roster for most of the season for the first time in several years, the Scots have enjoyed watching a new crop of promising freshmen develop their competitive edge while learning from a talented group of upperclassmen.

Congratulations to the Boys

• 113: Gideon Ryder, 2nd place
• 132: Laith Salem, 5th place
• 138: Avi Wylen, Champion
• 144: Kenneth Adams Jr, 3rd place
• 150: Jakob Grimm, 3rd place
• 157: Owen Watson, Champion
• 215: Carter Nichols, Champion

Three girls from Shorecrest wrestling headed to State
Photo by Alys Wylen

And to the Girls

• 120: Camille Alfonse, 5th place
• 145: Simon Stebbins, 10th place
• 155: Khirstina Abrham, 8th place

Stay tuned for results from the Mat Classic tournament at the Tacoma Dome this weekend!

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