Ellie Austin

The MIHS wrestling team faced off against Hazen Tuesday, January 21, and lost in a close call during senior night. 

The team fell three points short of victory in an understandably-frustrating match for the team, yet some players, including senior captain Creed Finnefrock, uphold a positive attitude on the match. 

“Our team did amazingly well on senior night and have performed at a high level throughout the season as a whole,” Finnefrock said. “I’m very proud of how hard everyone has worked and all the great results coming from that hard work.”

Although Finnefrock feels optimistic about this past season, like many other sports in the 2021-2022 fall and winter sports seasons, wrestling was hit with a COVID-19 outbreak. 

“We had a couple [of COVID-19] cases part way through December. We have also been adapting to the new precautions … like wrestling with a mask and testing every couple of days. Luckily we are not as restricted as last year and have been able to have tournaments and matches more often,” Finnefrock said. 

Nevertheless, COVID-19 did not break the persistent connection present within the MIHS Wrestling community. 

“The MIHS wrestling team as a whole is a very tough team, always working to become better wrestlers,” Finnefrock said. “We also have created a strong bond between teammates, even though it is only the first year in high school wrestling for many of our wrestlers.”

While reflecting upon his own wrestling career, Finnefrock shared his favorite moment.  

“The highlight of the season would be wrestling on senior night as my mom and brother came up from Arizona to see me wrestle! Even though I lost, it was a great experience.”

Finnefrock encapsulates the spirit of the MIHS wrestling team, persisting after all the hardships they have faced this season. 

“I am very happy with my performance so far throughout the year, and I had lots of fun on senior night. I can’t wait for the postseason starting next weekend!” Finnefrock said. 

MIHS Boys Wrestling will compete at Lake Washington on Friday, January 28 for their last conference match of the season.