The W.F. West wrestling team lost its first dual meet since 2013 to open the 2023-24 season Thursday, losing to 1A Castle Rock 34-33 in a close contest.
It’s the first time the Bearcats have lost in Chehalis since Jamie Rakevich took over the program, 11 years ago.
“I think we needed a wakeup call,” Rakevich said. “It hurts. Hopefully the boys internalize it.”
The Bearcats won six of the 13 contested bouts on the day, with Castle Rock winning seven and taking an eighth by forfeit.
Talan Meredith won his first W.F. West match by pin at 285, with Andrew Penland (215), Tucker Land (190), Mason McGregor (106) and Grayson Serl (150) winning by pin as well.
But for the most part, the Rockets cleaned up in the lighter divisions, winning five of the six contested matches under 150.
“Realistically, we’re not where we need to be,” Rakevich said. “We’re kind of behind now, and we need to put some work in.”
The Bearcats will hit the road to Edmonds for a tournament over the weekend, then open 2A EvCo action at Shelton next Thursday.
“I think we realized we have to go back to being W.F. West in our practice room, and not just having it on our jersey,” Rakevich said.
