YVCC grapplers make history against Highline

            What initially was the home opener for Yakima Valley’s wrestling team turned out to be a historic occasion for the Yaks.

Keyed by pins frm Jose Barajas and Seth Weeks and a crucial decision from Nels Toftdahl, Yakima Valley defeated highline 29-17 in Sherar Gym.

It was YVCC’s first dual match victory since 2003 and its first conquest of Highline since 1999.

“We’ve won the state championship, since we’re the only college wrestling program left,” said Yakima Valley co-coach Mike Schmitt. “We wrestle them two more times, but it’s always nice to get that first one.”

Barajas, a 125-pounder from Royal, got YVCC started with a pin in 49 seconds. Next up was Toftahl, another Royal product, who went against the highly-regarded Kenny Kubec and won 4-3.

“That was a pivotal match because they thought they had the dominating guy and we knew we had a guy who could hang with him,” Schmitt said. “They’re used to coming here and kicking the tar out of us, but when we won back-to-back you could see the looks on their coaches and kids.”

Barajas and Weeks, the latter a 157-pounder form Southridge, each improved to 3-0. Nate Huizar, a heavyweight from Granger, also had a pin.

            Yakima Valley’s next scheduled action will be Nov. 12 in the Vision Quest Duals at Auburn. The Yaks’ next home match is set for Dec. 10 against Southwestern Oregon.