If the name Scott LaBrash sounds familiar in prep wrestling circles, it may be due to the fact that he was one of Bothell High’s few three-time state competitors when he wrestled for the Cougars from 2002-04. The third head coach the program has seen in three years, the former state runner up knows he has work to do to reinvent the program and get competitive to the likes of 4A Kingco powerhouses Woodinville and Inglemoor.

But he’s up to the challenge.

“We look pretty good,” he said of his team, mostly comprised of sophomores. “We’re young, which is nice. I wish we had more seniors in here, but with what we have we’re doing really well. The sophomores we have are very talented and they continue to work hard.”

Senior leaders

Despite the Cougars’ relative inexperience on the mat, LaBrash has a few names that look to threaten in the postseason.

Junior Chris Ungrecht, wrestling at the critical 103 weight class, is the defending 4A Kingco champion and looks for some action at the Mat Classic, the 4A state wrestling tournament, next month.

“My goals for the season is to take first at Kingco, second at regionals and placing top three at state,” Ungrecht said. “Our new coach Scott, he’s a good coach, very technical. He pushes us hard and conditions us, as well.”

Seniors Salvador Sahagun, the team’s designated heavyweight, and Ryan Loutsis, wrestling at 160, had a solid first half of the season and look to peak as the season winds down.

Loutsis, a key linebacker for the Cougars’ football team who averaged six tackles per game, said his goal is to place high enough at regionals to earn his first Mat Classic berth.

“I just want to make it to state, and see how I do. Just try my best,” said Loutsis on his season-ending goals. “In here, it’s still the same guys, the same team. It’s a lot of fun.”

Added Sahagun, “Coach LaBrash is the hardest one I’ve ever had. Him and Justin (assistant coach Davidson), a very dangerous combo, those two.”

Back at home

After five years away from the mat, LaBrash jumped on the newly vacated head-coaching position and was officially hired last September, replacing Matt Leonard.

“It’s great because I feel like I’m at home,” said LaBrash on returning to his alma mater. “I come back to this room and it’s where I grew up wrestling. It’s really nice and it’s a great team. Everything I ask of these kids they do it… It’s a pretty sweet feeling.”

After a strong start to the season that saw the Cougars place high among stacked fields, LaBrash is hesitant to say a specific number of wrestlers he’d like to send to Mat Classic XXII this February, but knows that if his kids display the work ethic he demands of them, they will perform to their potential.

“As long as I keep seeing improvement, I’m happy as a coach,” LaBrash remarked. “One of my goals is to improve the mental toughness of this team and improve technique. If we can do that… and keep working hard in this room as we have been, we’re getting better. The rest will take care of itself.”