Jordan Balousek

On Thursday, Jan. 6, the Mercer Island Boys Wrestling team defeated Mt. Si and fell to Issaquah during a four-way meet.

The Islanders did not face off against Hazen, but beat Issaquah 32-27 in their first match, and lost 42-37 in their second match against Mt. Si.

The performance on the mat was not the only standout of the meet, as MIHS fans filled the bleachers with spirited cheers for the Islanders.

While most Mercer Island varsity wrestlers had strong performances, the junior varsity wrestling team also had a very strong showing. 

“Our freshmen class is very good, [and] they are very experienced wrestlers,” sophomore Daniel Mezistrano said. 

Another notable performance came from junior varsity regular Ethan Chang, who wrestled against varsity wrestlers during this meet.

“One of our teammates, Ethan, who normally is on [junior varsity], had to step up today to wrestle varsity. He had a very good match,” Mezistrano said.

“It was my first varsity wrestling match… it was a new experience. I definitely learned a lot,” Chang said.

Both the varsity and junior varsity wrestling teams plan to improve upon their performance during their upcoming meet on Thursday, Jan. 13, facing off against Bellevue and Interlake at 6 p.m. at home.