State wrestling: Kingston's Bobby Reece on the heels of Velarde with second title

TACOMA — Even after winning his second 2A State wrestling title Bobby Reece III held a quiet demeanor. The Kingston High School sophomore shook hands with his opponent, Braydan Berezay, who he defeated for the 152-pound title. When it came time to stand on the podium, he did so with a straight face.

His father and coach of the Kingston wrestling team Bobby Reece, described him as level-headed.

"He handles himself very well," Reece said.

Bobby won his final match 11-1 Feb. 18 during the Mat Classic XXIV. Holding two State titles, he is on the heels of North Kitsap's Jake Velarde. Velarde became the first wrestler from the West Sound area to win three State titles following his match not long before Bobby stepped on to the mat. Bobby plans to return again next season. How will he build on his success?

"Focus, keep working and hopefully it will pay off," Bobby said after stepping off the podium in the Tacoma Dome.

Though he outscored Berezay 11-1 in the championship match, Bobby's road to the title was a challenge. This was especially true when it came to his second match against Elias Mason — the 2011, 152-pound champion.

Bobby and Mason went 1-1 in three periods of wrestling Feb. 17. The match went into overtime. Before the two fought for the winning points, Reece asked Bobby if he had a plan; Bobby's answer: "Yeah, take him down." The match ended 3-1.

Accompanying Bobby's second title, Lindsey Barnhill (112) and Jack Welker (220) both earned spots on the podium. Barnhill took eighth. Welker took fifth.

 

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