We will miss 2016-17 senior Austin Farris. He has had a "great run". Austin has shown dedication to Palmer Wrestling since joining the program as a 6th grader. After falling short of the placement round at State in his 6th grade year, Austin placed at Tanana in his second year of Middle School competition, and was a finalist in his 8th grade year, helping lead his team to a state title. His progression in skill was bolstered by hard work and off season preparation in camps and Club wrestling season where with the help of Coach Daniel Graham and Gary Alcock, Austin became Matsu-Matmen's first Triple Crown winner and eventually went on to score this title a total of 4 times. Currently the only 4 time Triple Crown winner in Alaska. He was awarded  Varsity Letters in all four of his high school years in wrestling, as well as 3 in football, 2 in Track and 1 in baseball, Most Improved Wrestler as a Sophomore and Most Valuable Wrestler as a Senior. 

   Austin has wrestled with Team Alaska (Arctic Winter Games 2016) in Nuuk Greenland where he won Championships in Greco Roman, Freestyle and Inuit Wrestling as well as participating Reno Tournament of Champions, Rollie Lane Invitational, Virginia Beach Folkstyle Nationals and the Team Alaska Junior National Dual team which scored 2nd and 3rd place in Pocatello Idaho in the summer of 2016. Austin completed his High School career with a great season as a 3 time region champion- 195, 195 and Heavyweight, Matsu Athlete of the Week and 3rd place at 4A State Championships. He led the 2016-17 Moose in pins and team points scored. 

  Thanks for your dedication and hard work in the room, on the mat as a youth coach, athlete and official. This article was written by his #1 fan and father. Thanks for the memories.