Though the struggle lasted about 30 seconds, it felt longer for Nick Langer.
The Prairie senior had just flipped Kelso’s Blake Fowler onto his back. Now Langer was just inches from pinning the No. 2 ranked 182-pounder in Class 3A statewide.
“It’s a battle of will,” Langer said. “You just try to squeeze the guy and make him lose his will so you can pin him.”
Fowler fought for 30 seconds, keeping one shoulder off the mat Saturday at the 3A District Championships at Hudson’s Bay.
But when Langer finally pinned Fowler’s shoulder blades down with 19 seconds left in the second period, he and his coaches both leapt to their feet.
It was Langer’s second win over Fowler this season. It’s a win that gives Langer plenty of confidence heading into next week’s regionals and then Mat Classic, where Langer placed seventh last year.
“Last year, I was a little nervous going in,” Langer said. “This year, after going to nationals and a seeing a lot of big tournaments, I’m ready. I’ve learned from my past mistakes and am ready to win it.”
Langer highlighted a busy day for Prairie. The Falcons had nine wrestlers reach the finals, with six claiming titles.
Along with Langer, Noah Larsen (113 pounds), Jason Wilcox (132), Brayden Sofianos (145), Benjamin Matson (160) and Easton Lane (170) captured district championships.
The district tournament was new for Mountain View’s Andrew Fritz. The senior, who moved to Vancouver from Las Vegas, has wasted no time feeling at home. Saturday, Fritz won the 120-pound title by beating teammate Noah Messman, who placed fifth in state last year.
“I know I’ve got one of the best practice partners in the state,” Fritz said.
Fritz is ranked No. 5 in 3A at 126 pounds, but dropped down a class for districts because he feels he can place higher at 120 on a statewide level.
“Being a senior, it’s my job to lay the foundation of a program that’s destined to be great,” Fritz said. “I think we have one of the best coaching staffs in the state.”
Mountain View had seven wrestlers reach the finals Saturday. Along with Fritz, Kevin Chen (126 pounds) and Va Ili (195) won titles.
That helped Mountain View place second behind Kelso in the team race.
