Pania Baines led the way for Naselle wrestlers as they descended on the Ilwaco gym for their neighbor’s annual Beach Brawl tournament.

The enthusiastic freshman ended the day standing atop the podium after winning the 190-pound division with two pins.

Seven Tucker lost her first match to the eventual runner up in the 135-pound division, then bounced back with a win followed by a loss. Teammate Cheyenne Engelson had two losses, also at 135.

The classmates almost complete each other’s thoughts when asked about the pleasure they derive from embracing a new sport.

“It is really fun,” said Baines, then focused on what happens when she walks out onto the mat. “It is a lot different from some other sports, in that you can’t rely on your teammates — it has to be you.”

“I really like to do it,” added Tucker. “It is really a team sport, but it is a lot of individual work.”

Cheyenne Engelson, who runs in Naselle’s reinstated fall cross country program, was reflective about the mental element.

“You are always going to be positive about it. ‘I can do this. It’s possible,’” the freshman said. “If you are telling yourself you can’t do something, you won’t!”

With junior classmate Carsen Bisbing not available and sophomore Caesar Garcia watching with a broken collarbone, the boys’ hopes were carried by Jason Gardner.

Gardner, who also participates in track, was one of a cadre of enthusiastic athletes who appeared before the Naselle-Grays River School District Board last fall and urged the district to reinstate wrestling.

He has been enjoying the experience.

“I didn’t expect to win a lot, but it is fun doing it,” he said. “It is fun to compete and try something different.”

Late last fall, Naselle hired Chris Wood, who graduated from Ilwaco High School in 2019 and enjoyed success as a wrestler, as head coach.

Gardner is impressed. “He has got a full bag of tricks.”

Assisting Wood on Saturday were Naselle Schools’ transportation coordinator Karl Smith, who earned success on the wrestling mat in 1981 and 1982, and medical professional Will Green, an NHS graduate who has a broad sports background.

Wood, a commercial fisherman, is relishing his role. “There are a lot of challenges — and the stress of coaching,” he said. “It is fun being on the ‘other side’ of it and learning about the things that you run into being a coach and getting the kids organized.”

The season continues later this month in Montesano.

• More photos online at www.chinookobserver.com.