KALAMA – Ilwaco had five wrestlers place and finished in eighth position in the ten-team Kalama Rubber Chicken Classic there Saturday. The Fishermen were led by Jerry Matzen, who returned to the 119-pound classification where he earned second place.

Matzen dropped a 6-0 decision to Cathlamet’s Frankie Mendez in the championship skirmish. Derek Duffy, wrestling at 130, ended in third place in the tournament. Duffy has a sparkling 12-4 won-loss record this season in 16 trips to the mat. Matzen is 9-4 thus far.

Jake Pedersen also claimed third place and is 10-4 for the year. Pedersen competed at 275 in Kalama. Matt Bonney was halted in his match for third or fourth place at 189 after an ankle injury. Bonney, 11-3 on the season, had to settle for fourth.

Bobby Crislip at 275 won a sixth place medal in the match and is 4-10 for the campaign. Crislip and the other Ilwaco wrestlers are, “improving every week,” according to coach Tom Hornbuckle.

“We are sorting out what we need to do in order to accomplish our goals for the post season,” said Hornbuckle.

Isaac Mendez is 5-9 on the season and Ray Coulston 3-11. Sean Brady and David Alvarez haven’t tasted victory as yet, but will have ample opportunity this week as the Fishermen travel to LaCenter Tuesday, host the wrestlers from Ridgefield Thursday in Ilwaco, then go south to Seaside for a tournament next weekend.

The combined squad from Toledo-Winlock edged powerful Castle Rock for the team title.