Senior Kanagy and wrestling coaches rewarded for their hard work
By Hannah Spranger, Reporter
  This year, the wrestling team advanced to the postseason with a record number of wrestlers competing in the regional competition. While they faced tough opposition in the state tournament, the team worked to a 17th place finish.
  Standouts from the season were head coach Anders Blomgren, assistant coach Per-Lars Blomgren, and Lewis Kanagy, a senior wrestler. All were recognized by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) for their dedication and excellence.
  Kanagy’s hard work and perseverance were acknowledged this year when he was named one of the WIAA’s Athletes of the Week, but his journey with high school wrestling began three years ago when he joined the team as a sophomore.
  His senior year, Kanagy placed second in multiple tournaments and achieved first place in the league competition. He advanced to state and attended the Mat Classic XXXI at the Tacoma Dome with several of his teammates the weekend of Feb. 15 through Feb. 16. Kanagy did not place at state, but his advancement through the district competition ended his high school wrestling career on a high note.
  Kanagy credits his success to his coaches.
  “[They’re the] best coaches I’ve ever had,” Kanagy said. “All of my success is … a very small amount Lewis and a large amount PL and Anders.”
  Per-Lars Blomgren agrees that the relationships formed at Vashon Wrestling are unquestionably strong.
  “I feel like we have the greatest bond between wrestlers and coaches in the entire state,” Per-Lars Blomgren said. “We respect our guys, they respect us, [and] we all work extremely hard.”
  The brothers have coached wrestling at the high school for the past 19 years. Their commitment to the program has brought them much success, including coaching several athletes to state championship titles.
  This year, both were recognized for their dedication; WIAA named them League Coaches of the Year. The win at league tournament itself was a high point for the entire team as well.
  “We qualified 17 wrestlers to the regionals from that, which is a school record,” Anders Blomgren said.
  The Blomgrens’ love affair with wrestling began at a young age.
  “My brother and I used to wrestle on the living room floor — from before we were on any team — but we also … [kept] wrestling on the floor, into high school,” Anders Blomgren said.
  They competed throughout high school before both attended and wrestled for Simon Fraser University in Canada. After their graduations, the brothers continued to involve themselves in the sport through coaching. Working side by side, the brothers place emphasis on love for the sport.
  “Being a part of something special and larger than ourselves is a big part of our program, as well as giving back to where you’ve been and to the next generation of wrestlers as coaches, mentors, and helpers,” Anders Blomgren said.
  Anders Blomgren’s philosophy is to constantly work toward becoming a better coach, in hopes of improving the team at the same time.
  “I’m getting my Masters in Positive Coaching — emphasis on Positive Psychology and Coaching, of course,” Anders Blomgren said.
  He hopes to continue the team’s success in the future.
  “[My hope for the team is that] we will be back in the top 10 at state… as well as accomplishing our goals of winning the League and Dual Meet Championships,” Anders Blomgren said.
  Per-Lars Blomgren is also confident about the team’s prospects in the future.
  “I think all of our returning wrestlers are excited to get back to state and embrace the challenge. I know I am.”