Larry Kemmer, pictured in 2023, now leads the Ilwaco boys wrestling program.

Coach Larry Kemmer is excited.

If You Go

If You Go

Ilwaco Boys Wrestling

Dec. 14 Warrenton

Dec. 18 Astoria

Dec. 21 Nestucca, Ore.

Dec. 28 Clatskanie

2025

Jan. 4 Castle Rock

Jan. 7 Ocosta

Jan. 11 Hoquiam

Jan. 17 Raymond

Jan. 18 Kelso

Jan. 23 Rainier, Wash.

Jan. 25 Kalama

Feb. 1 Home meet

Post-season TBA

Start times vary. JV has separate schedule. Dates are subject to change.

He begins his seventh year as IHS head coach, having served a total of 10 years with the program with middle school wrestlers and as the high school assistant coach.

He took a handful of boys to the WIAA 2B state championships in February, celebrating Jace Linthakhan’s fourth-place medal in the lightest weight class.

But he has said goodbye to two seniors who went to state, including two-time medalist Xavier Smith, who placed sixth.

Ilwaco placed 20th among the 38 schools earning points.

Returning is senior Wade Smith, a two-time state qualifier, who had one pin and two losses on points at Tacoma this year. Sophomore Zechariah Taylor, who qualified from regionals as an alternate, was eliminated after two losses.

“Last season went well,” said Kemmer. “Our state turnout was good. More is always better. This year we will get four more kids per weight class. We should have at least double from last year.”

The coach notes that key wrestlers returning with Wade Smith, Taylor and Linthakhan, a junior, will be seniors Marcus Lynch and Claudio Mendez as well as sophomore Oscar Gustafson. “They should all go to state as long as they stay healthy. Wade will be our team leader this year.”

In addition to the veterans, Kemmer anticipates youth will inject energy into his program. “Our freshman class has a large group coming from our junior high program. They will all contribute to our team’s success. We will be one of the strong teams this season.”

Mat action was beginning at Tenino and Rainier, with Warrenton on the schedule Dec. 14. Ilwaco’s lone home meet is on the calendar Feb. 1 before postseason contests begin. The Mat Classic state meet at the Tacoma Dome is scheduled for Feb. 21-22.