For the second time in four years, the Oak Harbor High School wrestling team received the Gary Knutzen Spirit of Wrestling Award.

The Wildcats were honored before their 62-12 win over visiting Anacortes Tuesday, Jan. 26.

The Skagit-Island Wrestling Officials Association selected Oak Harbor, coached by Larry Falcon, for the Spirit of Wrestling Award because of the Wildcats’ outstanding display of sportsmanship throughout the season.

Gary Knutzen was a longtime wresting official and head coach at Skagit Valley College.

The award helps validate the emphasis the Oak Harbor coaching staff puts developing “great people” as well as great wrestlers, Falcon said.

The staff teaches its athletes life lessons while honoring four core values (leadership, loyalty, competitiveness and integrity).

Anacortes displayed some sportsmanship of its own.

Oak Harbor learned a day before the match that its original opponent, Stanwood, would not be competing.

Because of athletic code violations, grade problems and injuries, the Spartans had to forfeit the match.

Not wanting to cancel Senior Night and the home season finale, Falcon called Anacortes and the Seahawks agreed to step in at the last moment.

The Wildcat seniors are Garrett Stahl, Dymond Piper, Joseph Field, Martin Power, Amber Cramsey-Behnke and manager Mily Larsen.

Anacortes (0-5) filled only seven of the 14 weight classes, giving up 42 points.

Oak Harbor won five of the seven matches held.

The highlight was Sam Zook’s 4-2 overtime win over Kiron Devine in the 285-pound class. The undefeated Zook is ranked fourth in the state among 3A wrestlers; Devine is ranked ninth in 2A.

Other Wildcat winners were William Nickelson (113 pounds), 13-12; Stahl (120), pin, 2:39; Blake McBride (126), pin, 2:47; and Michael Lym (132), 20-6.

Justin Go (106) and Corey Boler (145) each lost by a fall.

Winners by forfeit were Lucas Nickelson (138), Field (152), Eriq Boler (160), Nick Dugan (170), Joshua Margraf (182), Colton Burdick-Curtis (195) and Isaiah Edmon (220).

Oak Harbor (2-2, 6-4) closes out the regular season when it travels to Marysville Getchell (1-2, 4-5) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28.

(Left, Oak Harbor’s Michael Lym takes control during his 20-6 win over Carlos Sanchez. Below, William Nickelson ekes out a 13-12 win over Anacortes’ Stephen Downie. Photos by John Fisken.)