Anchor Kings Wrestling Club brings home state title

Published 5:30 pm Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The Anchor Kings Wrestling Club had a season to remember in 2026, earning the title of Alaska USA State Tournament Champions in the Division II Kids Division and Division II Grand Champions. We took 63 wrestlers to state, including four wrestlers’ moms who competed for Moms On The Mat, as well as one coach who took home a Triple Crown title.

The team’s consistency across all age groups ultimately secured both the DII Kids Division and DII Grand Champion state titles, with every wrestler contributing points and support throughout the tournament weekend.

For the coaches, families and wrestlers involved, the championship represents far more than wins and medals. It reflects years of dedication, volunteerism and a community coming together to invest in local youth.

Anchor Kings serves approximately 140 boys and girls from communities stretching from Homer and Anchor Point to the head of the bay and as far north as Ninilchik. Because of the size of the club and the large area it serves, practices are held at multiple locations, including Chapman School, West Homer Elementary and Homer High School.

The Anchor Kings Wrestling Club is a non-profit organization run almost entirely through community fundraising, grants, sponsorships and donations that help keep the club alive. We work hard to keep wrestling affordable and accessible for all families. The program is led by more than 20 volunteer coaches who balance full-time jobs and family life while dedicating countless hours to mentoring young athletes.

While wrestling remains the focus, the club emphasizes much more than competition. Beyond the medals and trophies, Anchor Kings continues to focus on its larger mission: helping kids grow into hardworking, respectful and confident young people both on and off the mat. It gives youth a place to belong, build character and be surrounded by positive role models and teammates who encourage them to work hard and believe in themselves.

We want to give a special shout-out to the coaches, volunteers, wrestlers and parents of the club who dedicate their time and effort throughout the season. Thank you as well to our sponsors: Support Vessels of Alaska, American Legion Post 16, Ace Towing, Ulmer’s Drug & Hardware, Eagle Enterprises, Kachemak Bay Lion’s Club, Sarah Beller Real Estate, Homer Elks Lodge, East Road Services, Clinic of Chiropractic Health, Summit Physical Therapy, Homer Bookstore, Captain’s Toy Chest, Three Bears Alaska, Bubbles Soda Parlor, Fat Olives, and the greater Homer community for supporting youth wrestling throughout the season. We couldn’t do this without you.

As the season comes to a close, Anchor Kings hopes to continue growing the program and creating opportunities for young athletes across the southern Kenai Peninsula for years to come.

Thank you to each and every Anchor King that traveled to the state championships and left it all on the mat!

Folkstyle state

champions

Markian Basargin

Moses Basargin

Cameron Hagen

Noah Roth

Greco state champions

Moses Basargin

Cameron Hagen

Adam Rathibhan

Freestyle state

champions

Markian Basargin

Moses Basargin (Alaska Triple Crown Champion)

Cameron Hagen (Unofficial Alaska Triple Crown Champion)

Heidi Stokes

Folkstyle

2nd place: Nathaniel Barnard, Griffin Hagen, Stephanie Roth, Tate Stokes

3rd place: Emma Eksted, Liam Sorley

4th place: Justus Grimes, Hayes Ostler, Adam Rathibhan, Braiden Sorley

5th place: Jeremiah Wafford

Greco

2nd place: Griffin Hagen, Vassa Reutov, Noah Roth, Stephanie Roth, Tate Stokes

3rd place: Emma Eksted, Jeremiah Wafford

4th place: Rhyen Blosser, Ethan Bogatko, Isaiah Marroquin, Timon Martishev

5th place: Nathaniel Barnard, Eulyana Reutov, Braiden Sorley, Liam Sorley

Freestyle

2nd place: Clement Basargin, Griffin Hagen, Vassa Reutov, Kila Viers

3rd place: Emma Eksted, Valor Hagen, Mia Khan, Martin Matishev, Emelian Martushev, Galina Orlova, Rachel Ostler, Adam Rathibhan, Eulyana Reutov, Timon Reutov, Jacen Roth, Ranger Roth, Braiden Sorley, Liam Sorley, Tate Stokes, Aleksander Webb

4th place: Ethan Bogatko, Issac Buckwalter, Elli Eksted, Lola Mattson, Layla Rathibhan, Jeremiah Wafford, Owen Wahl

5th place: Nevaeh Branham, Timon Martishev, Serafima Martushev, Harley Ostler, Gabriel Roth

6th place: Callum Essex, Dawson Stokes, Ellie Stokes

Whitney Bogatko is the secretary for the Anchor Kings Wrestling Club.