Grapplers Earn Three Medals at Mac-Hi Tourney

MILTON-FREEWATER – Waitsburg wrestlers traveled to Milton-Freewater on Saturday to compete in their first match of the season, against regional schools of all sizes.

Waitsburg Coach Lanny Adams took seven Cardinals and one Dayton Bulldog to the tourney. The team made it to five medal-round matches.

Ky Adams placed second, while Tyler Hoffman and Joe Adams each brought home fifth-place medals.

In the 138lb class, senior David Just defeated Xavier Trinidad (Southridge) by pin 1:48. Just was able to get the first takedown and controlled the match. Just was pinned (1:58) by Joey Chavez (Kamiakin) in his second match. In the next round,

Just pinned (2:26) Chase Larson (McCloughlin) and then pinned (:44) Christian Solis (Wa-Hi). In the medal round for 5th/6th place, versus Michael Fuzi (Irrigon) Fuzi won by pin 4:52.

Coach Adams praised Just for "wrestling hard and smart. He had to fight hard after his loss. He showed a lot of heart and dedication!"

At 145 pounds, Dayton sophomore Josh Hartwell won two matches and lost two. (See sidebar for details.)

At 152 pounds, senior Devin Newman was defeated by Josie Agularo (Irrigon) by pin 1:57 in his first round. In the second round, Newman won by pin over Keegan Krogh (Irrigon)1:47.

Newman defeated Carson Bronson (Hepner) by pin (0:44).

In the medal round for 5th/6th place, Newman went up against Bryan Ocampo (Wa-Hi). Ocampo won by pin (0:28).

Coach Adams said, "Devin did well. He had a rocky start, but he pulled through. He remained focused and showed his heart by staying in the fight all day."

Also at 152 pounds, senior DeJay Meyer lost to Neal Randolph (Hermiston) by pin (0:49) in the first round. Meyer was defeated in the second round by Keaggan Krogh (Irrigon). Keogh won by pin (1:52).

At 170 pounds, sophomore Ky Adams had a bye in the first round. In the second round, Adams pinned Franco Sanchez (Irrigon) in a well-wrestled match after 5:28. In the third round, Adams pinned Jamal Mangerero (Wa-Hi) in 16 seconds.

In the medal round for 1st/2nd place, Kaden Kilberg (McCloughlin) won by pin at 3:53.

Coach Adams described the battle as a "hard-fought match. Kilberg had the length and leverage. It was so a battle of coach's kid against coach's kid. Ky wrestled smart and hard all day long. Good way to start the wrestling season."

In the 182-pound class, senior Joe Adams beat Tanner Mills (Irrigon) by pin (1:26) in the first round.

"Joe controlled and wrestled smart. Worked some new moves he has been practicing," Coach Adams said.

Joe Adams lost to Michael Breeding (McCloughlin) by pin (2:23) in round two. Next, Adams pinned Andres Flores (River View) (1:13). Adams won by pin over Roel Rojas (River View) (0:21).

In the medal round for 5th/6th place, Joe Adams defeated Moises Camacho (Kamiakin) by pin 2:47.

"Joe wrestled smart. He got caught in a takedown attempt in his second match," Coach Adams said. "If it wasn't for that, he would have been in the finals. He wrestled smart and hard."

At 285 pounds, senior Tyler Hoffman was defeated by Donnie Clark (McCloughlin). Clark won by pin :26. In the second round Hoffman and teammate Dylan Knowles went head to head.

Hoffman won by pin 1:28. Hoffman went on to beat Isaac Melton (Wa-Hi) by pin :31 in the next round.

In the medal round for 5th/6th place, Hoffman defeated Cole Tannahill  (Southridge), winning by pin 1:01.

"Tyler showed a great level of intensity. Very happy with his performance so far," Coach Adams said.

Also at 285 pounds, senior Dylan Knowles (Senior) beat Tyler Cearley (Kamiakin), winning his first High school match with a pin 4:22. Knowles was beat in the next round by Garrett Hills (Hermiston). Hill won by pin :40.

Knowles then had to wrestle his own teammate. He was defeated by Tyler Hoffman.

Knowles remained upbeat and told the coaches, "Now I know what I need to work on."