Derek Nichols, Hazen High School senior (top), wrestles Beamer High School’s Malik Ford.

When the Liberty and Hazen wrestling teams hit the mats Jan. 16, they were tackling more than their opponents.

They, along with Oak Harbor and Highline high school wrestling teams, did all that they could to tackle pancreatic cancer at the dual meet and fundraiser.

Hazen coach Rory Magana’s father Rodney, who died just eight months after he was diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer in 2011, inspired the fundraiser now in its fifth year.

“The diagnosis is a tough one,” Magana said. “The two-year survival rates are very low, and the five-year survival rates are even lower. Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer diagnosis that there is, but not a lot of people have heard about it.”

This year, the Liberty gymnasium played host to the annual meet/fundraiser. In addition to T-shirt sales, pancreatic cancer education and a silent auction, fans were treated to a night of competitive wrestling.

Liberty went 1-1 on the night, defeating Hazen in a close one, while losing to Highline. The Highlanders dropped both of their matches, falling to Oak Harbor after losing to the Patriots.

“The Hazen match was a barnburner,” Liberty coach Wright Noel said. “Liberty won even though we gave up 12 points in forfeits.”

Sean Surowiec, at 126 pounds, Juan Flores (152) and Conner Small (170) each had crucial pins for Liberty, leading the Patriots to the victory.

In the other matches, the Highlanders’ Nik Vargas won by technical fall over Patriot Cooper Murch (132); Hazen’s Derek Nichols won by decision over Liberty’s Ethan Le (138), 7-0; and Leo Palaganas, of Hazen, won by decision over the Patriots’ Alec Bluhm (145), 11-4.

“We won on the strength of our wrestlers refusing to get pinned or give up major points, and the wrestlers we counted on winning were able to pin,” Noel said. “It was a great team win.”

Against Highline, Liberty got pins from Jarmon Joseph (126), Romney Noel (182), Murch and Small.

Magana said that while the Highlanders “wrestled tough,” they struggled to cope with several holes in their lineup due to illness and injury.

Of all the Highlanders’ wrestlers, Magana said he was most impressed with Nichols, who went 2-0 on the night and avenged a previous loss to No. 1-ranked wrestler Jeremy Vester (138).

“After falling behind early in the match, Nichols battled back with a dramatic throw late in the third period,” Magana said. “Nichols would earn the fall over Vester in one of the biggest upsets of the season.”

Admission to the meet was free, though donations, all of which went to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, were accepted at the door. The teams and their fans raised $1,000.

“Over the last few years, our wrestlers have been very excited to compete for such a worthy cause,” Magana said. “They love stepping up to raise awareness for such a good cause.”

They’ll do all that they can to tackle pancreatic cancer at a Jan. 16 meet and fundraiser.

Hazen’s event annually raises about $2,000 for pancreatic cancer research through bake sales, T-shirt sales and admission costs.

The fundraiser is inspired by Hazen coach Rory Magana’s father, Rodney, who died just eight months after he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in 2011.

“The diagnosis is a tough one,” Magana said. “The two-year survival rates are very low, and the five-year survival rates are even lower. Pancreatic cancer is the most lethal cancer diagnosis that there is, but not a lot of people have heard about it.”

This year’s event is at Liberty High School, 16655 S.E. 136th St. Doors open at 5 p.m. Jan. 16. Hazen, Liberty, Oak Harbor and Highline high school wrestling teams will all compete.

Instead of an entry fee, Magana encourages spectators to bring funds to donate to the cause. They’ll also sell T-shirts and host a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

“Over the last few years our wrestlers have been very excited to compete for such a worthy cause,” Magana said. “They love stepping up to raise awareness for such a good cause.”

Hazen wrestling kicks off the season Saturday at the Edmonds Invitational at Edmonds Woodway High School.

Hazen had its first state placers in more than a decade last year, and the squad looks to continue on that success as the 2015 season embarks.

The Highlanders return three state participants, as well as a handful of wrestlers looking to make a splash in the 3A state rankings.

Senior Derek Nichols will lead the team this year in the 138-pound weight class. Nichols has made two trips to the Tacoma Dome, and is eyeing a spot on the podium in his final year.

“Derek was on the mat all summer and has made tremendous strength gains over the summer,” said Hazen coach Rory Magana. “His technique is looking better than ever.”

Sophomore Tyson Mowrey is aiming for his second trip to the Mat Classic. He fell just one spot short of placing at state in the 3A 106-pound weight class last year.

Raven Svenson is looking to build on her seventh place finish at last year’s Mat Classic. She was just points away from placing even higher her freshman year, and Magana expects her to be a force in this year’s girls state rankings.

Magana also expects big things from Leo Palaganas (145), Nik Vargas (132), Anthony Scott (106), Eric Johannessen (220) and Paul Charbonneau (285).

Hazen’s practices have reached a whole new level this year, Magana said, and the program’s had its highest turnout ever, too.

“Our drilling is flowing, our freshmen and sophomores are soaking up technique like sponges,” he said. “Our wrestlers have a new energy to them that resonates in the room. The most exciting thing about this year’s team is the energy that they bring to every practice.”