Cardinal Wrestlers Bring in More Medals

WAITSBURG – Eight grader Carlos Norris and junior Joe Adams both walked away with third place medals at the Dec. 19 Mac-Hi Tournament in Milton-Freewater.

Adams named Norris Cardinal Wrestler of the Week, saying he has really stepped up his dedication to being in the best physical condition that he can be in.

"He gets up at 5 a.m. and does a morning workout on his own. His dedication and determination is paying off on the mat. He won both matches at the league meet in Colfax on Wednesday and placed third in the Mac-Hi tournament on Saturday," Adams said.

At Saturday's meet, 113 lb. Norris lost by an 11-2 decision against Zach Crisman of Mac-Hi in what Adams called a tough loss, but a hard-fought battle. Norris went on to win against Logan William of Riverview by a fall in 5:05and took Gabriel Romero of Riverside by a fall in 2:54 for third place.

Joe Adams earned third place in the 170 class with pins against Patton Wright (Mac-Hi) in 3:27, Tim Jacaranda (Heppner) in 1:09, Aiden Henderson (Pendleton) in 3:42, and Sam Minds (Riverview) in :42. He had one 3-2 loss by decision to Andrew Grandchukoff (Wa-Hi).

106 lb Loren Negron lost both her matches but got her first takedown and wrestled all rounds. "This was a huge milestone for her," said Coach Lanny Adams.

"I was very pleased with all the Waitsburg Cardinal wrestlers," Adams said.

The Cardinals won some-lost some at their first league meet in Colfax on Dec. 16.

Norris won by fall against Joe Rogers (Gar/Pal) but fell to Karson Krouse (Pomeroy). David Just won against Riley Nikola (Reardon) before being dropped by Travis Knauff of Gar/Pal).

"Even though David was defeated in this match, he wrestled a smart match. He was aggressive, moving, and fought hard throughout the match. David is working on new moves and is continuing to improve his game," said Adams.

Ky Adams won by decision against Dane Hall (Colfax), then lost to Reggie Jones (Colfax). "Both wrestlers fought hard for this match. Unfortunately, the outcome was not what I wanted to see," Adams said.

Adams said Devin Newman (145) came out on the offense to pin Alex Whitman (Lind/Ritzville) in 1:43, but fell to Dane Hall (Colfax) in 1:15.

"I can beat him. I went on the defense at the start. I need to shoot on him first," Newman said.

Adams said the Cardinals have some time over winter break to work on conditioning and perfect some moves before the Pomeroy tournament on Dec. 29th and the Joseph, Ore. tournaments on Jan. 1 and 2.