YOUR AD HERE »

Viking wrestlers Singelyn, Breen qualify for state

South Tahoe’s Gavin Breen and Nate Singelyn both overcame early setbacks to qualify for state in loaded brackets at the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association Class 3A Northern League Wrestling Championships at Fernley High School.

Breen, who entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed 132-pounder, lost a close match to North Valley’s Joaquin Arevalo in the first round.

But Breen’s determination took over and he won three straight matches, including a rematch with Arevalo in consolation semifinals, leading him to a fourth-place finish.



“When Gavin wins the whole team and entire sport wins, because of his work ethic, sportsmanship and positive attitude he is the exact type person who warrants rewards and recognition,” said Vikings coach Ryan Wallace.

Breen’s 145-pound junior teammate Nate Singelyn similarly had a challenging path to reach state.



In his quarterfinal match he was disqualified after being called for an illegal hold and his opponent couldn’t continue wrestling. He had compiled a 12-2 lead prior to that point.

The call was questionable at best, according to Wallace, and earned a chorus of boos from the crowd.

“Coach reminded me that the goal doesn’t change because something bad happened, so I just got excited for the chance to wrestle more matches.” Singelyn said.

Singleyn answered the call and only gave up a single point in his next four matches. Due to the early loss, Singelyn was pitted against Jared Caulk, in the consolation semifinals.

Caulk, a tough senior from Fernley, had given him trouble in the past. But Singleyn came out on top executing a perfect game plan and shutting down all of Caulk’s attacks to earn a 7-1 decision.

In the consolation finals Singelyn routed North Valley’s Isaiah McClain by way of a 16-0 technical fall for third place.

Vikings 138-ponder Drake Lathrop finished in sixth place and just short of qualifying for state.

“We don’t do this sport because we know everything is going to go our way, we do it because it is extremely difficult and forces us to trust ourselves and our preparation in the face of planned challenges and unplanned circumstances,” Wallace said. “Both of these guys demonstrated an inspiring level of courage and will-power. Tahoe should be proud to be able to claim such high character kids.”

The Vikings will head out to the middle of the desert to test themselves against the state’s best at the NIAA State Championships Friday and Saturday in Winnemucca, Nev.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.