JOHN DAY – Isaac Whitman and Don Speakman ended the Grant Union wrestling season on disappointing notes, but a recent letter improved their mood. Now they’re packing their bags for a trip to the nationals in Virginia.

Whitman, who advanced to the state championships as a sophomore, dropped out of the season before the district tournament. He got sick and had a fever the week of the February 8 tournament. As a result, he missed out on state. Whitman was ranked sixth in the state going into the tournament.

Speakman wrestled in the district meet, but took fourth place, missing the state meet by one spot. Speakman wrestled Umatilla’s Elvis Munoz for third place, and he led 6-0 with a minute remaining in the match. However, Munoz was able to roll and pin Speakman at the last minute.

“It was more than a little frustrating,” Speakman said. “I got up and I was just thinking, that didn’t just happen.”

The two wrestlers thought their season was done, until Whitman received a letter about the High School Junior Nationals Wrestling Championship.

The invitation mentioned he could invite someone else so he talked to his fellow Grant Union wrestling team captain, Speakman.

“I was pretty excited,” Whitman said. “I was almost shaking. I read it a couple times to makes sure I was reading it right.”

The nationals are held March 26-28 in Virginia Beach, Va., and draw about 1,500 wrestlers per grade. Speakman said the trip will be his first to the East Coast.

The two wrestlers are now practicing and have begun the fundraising process. Whitman said the trip will cost more than $4,000 for the wrestlers and their coach, Pete Piazza. Piazza coached Whitman and Speakman at Mt. Vernon Middle school. They must register for the tournament by March 21.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can contact Whitman at 575-2299 or Speakman at 575-5633.