There were over 80 kids who wrestled on the combined elementary/middle school Kettle Falls Mat Dogs team this season. Did you miss it? You can still check out their skills during Town and Country Days here in Kettle Falls. Saturday, June 3rd the team will have a mat down in front of City Hall to wrestle in front of the community.
Coached by Steve Kenney, Travis Mitchell, AJ Howard, Tanner Bircher, Ricky Medeiros, Rick Hood, Glenn Hume, Jeremy Henderson, and Rodney Clendennen, the season began for some in February, continued every Saturday in March, and even included a couple of weekends in April. The team ranged in age from 5 to 14 years and the athletes had to train a minimum of two practices each the week. The team wrestled in Springdale, Kettle Falls, Chewelah, Omak, Colville, and Spokane during the season.
This year the season was extra fun because the culture was amazing. The older kids took the younger kids under their wings just like a family to cheer them on during every match (even right up close to the mat!) and help them after with coaching and support at practices. Seeing the team work together, share the ups and downs, and grow in camaraderie, especially between the boys and girls on the team was thrilling to watch. As they worked hard and played hard together, the kids continued to grow in their abilities and endurance becoming great representatives of Kettle Falls!