Gallagher joins 2012 UW class

Eastlake’s Michael Gallagher, a defender/midfielder and member of the U18 Seattle Sounders Academy team, will be continuing his career at the University of Washington for coach Jamie Clark.

“Michael is arguably the best player coming out of the state of Washington this year,” Clark said.  “He is a very smart player that has the ability to play out of tight situations, which will allow him to be a playmaker out of the back or a connecting defensive midfielder.”

Gallagher’s brother is a junior at UW and he also cited the opportunity to play in front of family, friends and the Seattle soccer community as reasons for staying home to play with the Dawgs.

The 2011 team MVP and First-Team All KingCo selection helped his team to the 4A state championship last season with a 2-0 win over Sammamish rival Skyline.

EC wrestler, coach honored at Metro meet

Eastside Catholic freshman wrestler Matt Iwicki was named Wrestler of the Year for the lower weight division by the Metro League coaches for his performance throughout the season.

The 113 pound Iwicki was unbeaten in league competition in 2011-12 and has won multiple tournaments. He is ranked third in the state by Washington Wrestling Reporter and is also a 4.0 student.

Iwicki wasn’t the only Crusader honored, as coach Dennis Reddinger was named Metro League Coach of the Year by his peers.

Reddinger led the Crusaders to the best showing in school history at this year’s league tournament with 13 medalists, one champion and four runners up.

The Crusaders will continue the season as the hosts of the Region II tournament on Saturday, Feb. 11.