The Region V wrestling tournament starts Friday. For the first time in 12 years, Haines is hosting the event and there are high expectations for some wrestlers who hope to compete in the state championship next weekend.

“This weekend is the region five championships,” Haines Glacier Bears assistant wrestling coach Jake Mason said. “So it’s basically to get all the schools in Southeast and do a big tournament.”

Competitors from communities across Southeast Alaska will participate in the event, which is expected to draw nearly 240 people to Haines. Participating wrestlers will compete for a chance to qualify for the statewide competition, and an opportunity to be the best in Alaska.

“First and second will get to continue on to state, which will be up in Anchorage the following weekend at the Alaska Airlines Center,” Mason said.

Along with Head Coach Andus Hale, Mason is excited and optimistic about the Glacier Bears’ chances of making a statement at the Region V Tournament. While there are undeniable advantages to wrestling on the Haines home turf, multiple Glacier Bears wrestlers have already performed exceptionally at other events around the state.

“We actually have a really solid team overall, and we’ve got three kids that are top-ranked in the state,” Mason said.

Mason went on to praise his elite competitors. He explained that 125-pound Hayden Jimenez placed second at last year’s state championship.

“He’s been doing phenomenal this year,” Mason said. “So, he’s just on a mission to get his first state championship.”

Wrestler Dalton Henry also drew high praise from his coach. Mason said the 171-pound senior is already ranked in the top three statewide and has had a phenomenal year. Last year, Henry weighed in at 160 pounds and took first at the state championship.

Mason expressed adulation for his 215-pound junior, James Stickler. He said that in early November, Stickler dominated at the Mountain City Invitational in Anchorage, taking first place. Mason explained that it’s a key mid-season tournament for wrestlers because it provides an opportunity for them to gauge their competitiveness.

But Stickler wasn’t finished.

“And then he actually went and competed at Lancer, which is probably the toughest tournament in the state of Alaska, because it’s combined small school and large schools,” Mason said. “And he actually took second, so he made it to the finals.”

During finals, Sticker lost a tough match to a wrestler from South Anchorage. Because the Region V Tournament only includes wrestlers from Southeast Alaska, Stickler will have to earn a trip to the state championship for a chance at redemption. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t motivated for this weekend’s competition.

Stickler, who’s been wrestling for six years, said he had unfinished business with another wrestler.

“I’m excited to get a rematch against the guy I lost against. I’m excited it’s going to be in Haines,” Stickler said.

Stickler added that he’s eager to hear support from the Haines home crowd.

Coach Mason said he’s amped for the event, proud of his wrestlers and optimistic about their chances to advance.

“…He’s been just doing phenomenal, and we’re really excited,” Mason said. “I really can see those three just doing great this weekend and next weekend at State.”

Weigh-ins for the tournament begin at 3:30 p.m. on Friday and 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. Wrestlers placing first or second at the event will move on to the state championship in Anchorage on Dec. 20.