Kenai Central on Tuesday claimed victory during a dual meet with Nikiski that also served as the team’s senior night.

“It was a fun senior night, had a blast,” Kenai coach Jason Chavarria said after the meet. “I love Nikiski, they’re a great team.”

“We’re pretty pleased with our performance,” Nikiski coach Kaden Spurgeon said. “With small teams like this, it’s good just for us to all get our matches in.”

Seniors honored included Kenai team managers Frenlee Ann Dagomos and Kaitlyn Taylor, as well as wrestlers Kage Adkins, Sarai Bravo-Moe, Andrew Gathle, Raymond Perez and Owen Wicker.

Both teams benefited from several forfeits, with 12 total, which Chavarria explained was because Nikiski’s team features more heavyweights and Kenai features more lightweights.

The matches that did take place were exciting. Both Chavarria and Spurgeon said there were a lot of close matches.

Kenai’s Tony Perez and Nikiski’s Niles Broussard went into overtime in an intense match, which Perez ultimately won. Broussard came back in the exhibition matches to win in another tight overtime bout with Kenai’s Delen Byrd.

“He’s a really hard worker,” Spurgeon said of Broussard. “That’s where it shows, when you get down to those one-point matches, those overtime periods and you’re able to get it out.”

Chavarria said both Tony and Raymond delivered strong showings, bringing home good wins.

Chavarria also credited two of his younger wrestlers, Bishop Andruss and Roman Dunham, for showing up despite both taking losses. Andruss, he said, entered competition for the first time Tuesday and put up a show, while Dunham faced a tough opponent and managed to fend him off for a full period.

Wrestling is a short season, and both coaches are already preparing for Regions next week.

“We’re gonna have a great show and we’ve got a good, solid team,” Chavarria said.

“As far as technique and conditioning, we are right there ready to perform,” Spurgeon said.

Before Regions, Kenai and Nikiski will compete this weekend at Grace Christian Schools at a competition that will “foreshadow” regions, Chavarria said.

Kenai’s Delen Byrd and Nikiski’s Niles Broussard tangle work each other during a dual meet on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Nikiski’s Niles Broussard throws Kenai’s Delen Byrd during a dual meet on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)