The defending Class 1-2-3A state champion Homer wrestling team made a big statement by defending its crown at the Lime Solar/ACS Wrestling Invitational on Friday and Saturday in Anchorage.

The Mariners scored 252.5 points to defeat the 241 of runner-up Bethel. Also from the peninsula, Nikiski was 17th, Voznesenka was 18th and Seward was 23rd.

The Mariners received titles from Luciano Fasulo at 126, Jared Brant at 138 and Timmy Woo at 160. Also placing for Homer were Wayne Newman in second at 106, Chris Cudaback in fourth at 152, Tristen Cook in second at 182, Kyle Wells in second at 195 and Jadin Mann in second at 285.

For Nikiski, Justin Cox took sixth at 132 and Tyler Litke took sixth at 195.

For Seward, Kris Hettick took sixth at 160.

For Voznesenka, Dia Martishev took fourth at 126 and Nikit Anufriev took third at 170.

Soldotna takes 6th at Colony Invite

The Soldotna wrestling team took sixth at the Colony Invitational on Saturday, scoring 111.5 points to finish behind the 270 of champion Colony. Kenai was 10th with 59.5.

Gideon Hutchison, at 113, won the lone title for the Stars. Also for Soldotna, Logan Craig was fourth at 98, Brayde Wolfe was second at 126, Bechler Metcalf was second at 152 and Abraham VanHout was third at 170.

Byron Dunham led the Kards by taking second at 182, while Keyshawn McEnerney was fifth at 152.

South Anchorage’s Micah Ee takes a shot on Gideon Hutchison during the 113-pound final of the Colony Invitational Saturday in Palmer. Hutchison won the match by injury default.