The 2022 Inland Empire Classic Invitational is the first tournament in which the Lakeland Hawks varsity wrestling team will compete this season. The Hawks will wrestle in the two-day tournament on Dec. 9th and 10th.  

The Hawks will be competing against schools from both Idaho and Washington. Last season, the Hawks took multiple wrestlers to this competition, despite not winning any hardware. 

This year, the Hawks have been working hard to compete at these larger tournaments in hopes of getting used to wrestling in bigger tournaments before the Idaho 4A State Tournament. 

The Hawks have been working on taking better shots and setting up these shots to get better leg attacks instead of trying to make sloppy moves effective.

Head Coach, William Edelblute, told the team at the beginning of the season that he did not want to see them trying to throw. He wants them to take quality high-percentage shots to help them win important matches throughout the season. 

This week, Lakeland has been working extra hard on their technique and their conditioning in order for them to be in the best physical, mental and technical shape that they can possibly be in. 

The list of wrestlers competing in the invitational includes Jarren Knopp, Matt Williams, Kaleb Hammer, Thayer Sabtke, Gage Oles, Bradley Grubham, Devon Howell and Preston Jeffs.

This will be some of these wrestlers’ first matches as a part of varsity. Grubham and Hammer have never competed in a varsity tournament. 

Bradley Grubham said, “I’m kind of nervous because this is the first tournament that I will be going to. I’m excited that I get the opportunity to compete at a higher level than I have in the past. I think it will be a great learning experience even if I don’t end up placing.”

Grubham, along with all of the other wrestlers, will be looking to bring home some hardware. 

Following Friday and Saturday, the Hawk’s next competition will take place on Dec. 14 against Coeur d’Alene and Lake City Highschool.