By Rene Ferran | For The Oregonian/OregonLive
This week, we'll be taking a look at some of the top high school wrestlers in Oregon. Our first list focuses on the seniors.
Records are through January 13. Athletes are listed alphabetically by FIRST name. Note that there are hundreds of standout wrestlers in Oregon and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Use the comments section to discuss the other senior wrestlers worthy of fans' attention this winter.
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Text by Rene Ferran, who can be reached at rferran.oregonianhssports@gmail.com
Alejandro Duran-Puente, Sr., Baker (132)
Career record: 124-45
Season record: 25-9
Duran-Puente is a two-time regional champion and three-time state qualifier who placed third at state last season. He is closing in on the school records for career wins (132) and falls (87). He won the John Rysdam, took second at Muilenburg and Farm City, and reached the quarterfinals at Rollie Lane. “When he came in as a freshman, we told him every day he had what it takes, and eventually he learned how to believe in himself,” said Bulldogs coach Brandon Young. “Wrestling has given Alex the confidence to be successful in wrestling and life.”
Alex Rendon, Sr., Pendleton (132/138)
Career record: 129-12
Season record: 29-2
Rendon improved upon a fifth-place finish at state as a sophomore by reaching the 5A 126-pound final last February, falling to two-time champion Beau Ohlson of Mountain View 11-5 in the final. This season, he has won titles at Muilenburg and the Bend Invite and finished second at Liberty. “He is one of the most athletic kids we have ever coached,” said Buckaroos coach Fred Phillips. “He is figuring out that he cannot rely on his athletic ability alone. With his newfound work ethic, he is going to be a handful.”
Allie Ocain, Sr., Rainier (105)
Career record: 25-13
Season record: 11-3
Ocain broke through last January by winning her bracket at the Oregon Classic before finishing second at the state qualifier and placing fourth at state. This season, she has won the Jefferson tournament, finished third at Liberty and taken fourth at the prestigious Kelso Invitational.
Andres Ramirez, Sr., North Medford (160)
Career record: 85-46
Season record: 11-6
Ramirez is a two-time state qualifier who bounced back from a quarterfinal loss last year in the 6A 152 bracket to eventual champion Ein Carlos of North Salem to place third – his first podium finish. An Oregon national team member, Ramirez reached the final at Tyrone Woods, won at Rogue Valley and placed fourth at North Bend. “Andres has been wrestling since the eighth grade and is extremely athletic,” said Black Tornado coach Phillip Lopez. “His upside is huge and his love for the sport is something to watch.”
Angel Omar Blas, Sr., Westview (285)
Career record: 47-14
Season record: 16-2
Blas is a smaller wrestler in the 285-pound division – he was listed at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds on the football team’s roster – who took time to develop in the wrestling room. Last year, he finally broke through with a fourth-place finish at the 6A state meet, and this season, he finished second at Rose City and Liberty before winning the Panther Classic. “Omar is a smaller heavyweight but very explosive on his feet,” said Wildcats coach Michael Delaney.
Austin David, Sr., Roseburg (152)
Career record: 76-36
Season record: 5-4
David has qualified for state each of his first three years, missing out on the podium by one round as a sophomore and reaching the 6A 152 final a year ago but suffering an injury and defaulting with 28 seconds left in the second round to North Salem’s Ein Carlos. He had tough draws at both the Reno Tournament of Champions (losing to Alaska state champion Christian Hudson of South Anchorage in the second round) and the Doc Buchanan (Palm Desert’s Troy Mantanona, ranked No. 8 in California). “Austin has won a lot of matches for us,” said Roseburg coach Steve Lander. “He had a great year last year and is training hard for another chance at winning a state championship.”
Austin Watson, Sr., Thurston (170)
Career record: 164-24
Season record: 32-2
Watson is a four-time state qualifier who improved upon a third-place finish his sophomore year by winning the 5A 152 title last February, surviving an overtime match in the semifinals and beating Wilsonville’s Tyson Resko 3-0 in the final. Over the summer, he won a state freestyle title and earned All-America status with a seventh-place finish at 152 at Reno Worlds, and this season, he placed fourth at Rose City and first at Liberty.
Avery Jaramillo, Sr., Thurston (195)
Career record: 126-12
Season record: 20-0
Jaramillo got off to a late start to defending the state title he won last February thanks to Thurston’s run to the 5A state football championship, but of his first 20 matches, he has gone the distance only twice. Jaramillo, a two-time OSAA regional champion and third-place finisher in 2017, also has earned Fargo All-America status in both freestyle and Greco-Roman and won Northwest Regional titles in both disciplines.
Boe Baxter, Sr, Sweet Home (160)
Career record: 78-33
Season record: 29-6
Baxter is a two-time state qualifier who won a district title and placed fifth in state at 4A 152 last February. After earning All-America status with a sixth-place finish at 160 at Reno Worlds over the summer, he’s reached the finals at three tournaments this winter (Perry Burlison, Grants Pass, Linn County) and posted a fifth-place finish at the Rose City Championships. “Boe is one of the hardest workers in our room,” said Huskies coach Steve Thorpe. “He has stepped up as a leader in our program.”
Bryant Smith, Sr., Milwaukie (145)
Career record: 92-15
Season record: 31-3
Smith is a three-time district champion and has placed at state each of the past three years – sixth as a freshman and runner-up as a sophomore and junior, falling to All-American Jason Shaner of Hood River Valley in the 5A 132 final last season. This season, Smith has won titles at Grants Pass and Tim Patrick and reached the final at Tyrone Woods and North Bend. “Bryant has been an exceptional young man to work with,” said Mustangs coach Brian Duhrkoop. “He is an exceptional leader on the wrestling team and an extremely hard worker in the classroom. He has a positive attitude and is super fun to be around.”
Caleb Day, Sr., Central Linn (145)
Career record: 124-28
Season record: 25-4
Day has taken home state medals in each of his first three seasons, placing third as a freshman, fourth as a sophomore and runner-up last February, when he lost to his older brother Mike in the 2A/1A 138 final. This season, he has won titles at his home invite and the Shamrock Invitational, finished second at King of the Hill and taken third at the Linn County Championships.
Photo: Andy Cripe, Mid-Valley Media
Caleb Parrott, Sr., Crook County (285)
Career record: 82-27
Season record: 17-5
Parrott placed third as a sophomore at state and came back with a fourth-place finish at 4A 285 last February. This season, with the Cowboys moving up to 5A, Parrott started the season with a title at Perry Burlison, and then followed with a third-place finish at North Bend, a sixth at the Reno Tournament of Champions and a runner-up finish at Rollie Lane, Idaho’s most prestigious tournament.
Chance Hendrickson, Sr., Harrisburg (132)
Career record: 157-24
Season record: 16-3
Hendrickson is a three-time state placer, starting with a fourth-place finish as a freshman before winning the 3A 113 title as a sophomore. Last year, unknowingly wrestling the final few weeks with a torn meniscus, he came up just short in his bid for back-to-back championships, losing to La Pine’s Derrik Kerr in the 120 final. A two-time district champion, Hendrickson has won titles at Devon Dawson, Culver and Papé Linn County this season. “Chance is a kid we know will always show up, practice every day and work hard,” said Eagles coach Desmond Bennett. “He is a very tough kid.”
Chase Miller, Sr., Lebanon (160)
Career record: 95-23
Season record: 32-5
Miller started his wrestling career with a fifth-place state finish as a freshman, then had to sit out his sophomore season because of a knee injury suffered while playing football. Last winter, he set the school record for single-season wins with 52 and tied the school record with 37 falls as he placed third at 5A 145. This season, he has wins at Liberty and Linn County to go with fifth-place finishes at two major tournaments – Rose City and Sierra Nevada. “Chase is one of the toughest kids I have ever coached,” said Lebanon coach Michael Cox. “He will do whatever it takes to help the team. Chase is the ultimate competitor.”
Christopher Strange, Sr., Newberg (126)
Career record: 142-13
Season record: 32-1
After reaching the 6A 120 state final as a sophomore, Strange completed the deal last February, going overtime to defeat North Medford’s Chase Mitchell 6-4 in the 6A 113 final. This season, Strange has won two big-time tournaments – Rose City and Best of the West. “Christopher is looking to close out an impressive career at Newberg,” said Tigers coach Neil Russo. “He is pushing the pace in the practice room and never takes a day – or a single drill – off. He is making everyone in the room, himself included, better every day.”
Clayton Elrod, Sr., Redmond (160)
Career record: 154-34
Season record: 23-6
Elrod is a two-time state qualifier who narrowly missed out on placing as a sophomore before taking home the fourth-place medal at 5A 160 last February. This season, he won the 182 title at Tyrone Woods, then dropped down to 172 and won at North Bend, followed by a second-place finish at Adrian Irwin. Most recently, he reached the Rollie Lane quarterfinals but missed out on the medal rounds. “Clayton is totally bought into being the best wrester he can be,” said Panthers coach Kristopher Davis. “He has developed his style of wrestling and become very good at it. We have hopes of Clayton being on the top of the podium at the state tournament.”
Cole Siemon, Sr., Hillsboro (138)
Career record: 103-31
Season record: 20-5
Siemon has placed at state each of the past two years, taking third as a sophomore and fourth as a junior after reaching the Reser’s Tournament of Champions final. This season, the Washington State-bound senior reached the Rose City quarterfinals and won the Hilhi Invite. “Cole is a cerebral wrestler and a leader in our room,” said Spartans coach Jeremy Peterson. “He is constantly looking for challenges in practice and tournaments. But Cole is more than a great wrestler – he is a great person who always does the right things on and off the mat.”
Colton Burkhardt, Sr., Mountain View (170)
Career record: 92-45
Season record: 33-1
Burkhardt transferred to Mountain View from Crook County, where last year he placed fourth at Reser’s and fourth at 4A 160 at state. This year, he suffered his only loss in the semifinals of the Sierra Nevada Classic to Sean McCormick of Churchill County (Nev.), an Idaho signee at wide receiver. He finished third at Sierra Nevada to go with titles at the Bend Invite, Adrian Irwin, Grants Pass, Springfield and the Central Oregon Officials tournaments.
Photo: Ryan Brennecke, The (Bend) Bulletin
Cylus Hoke, Sr., Culver (195)
Career record: 121-36
Season record: 21-4
Hoke placed third at 2A/1A state at 195 as a sophomore, then enjoyed a junior season that included a sixth-place finish at Sierra Nevada and fourth at Reser’s with a state title, pinning Glendale’s William Kidwell in 41 seconds in the final. This season, he’s won titles at Central Oregon Officials, Culver and Jo-Hi, taken second at Adrian Irwin and placed sixth at Sierra Nevada. Hoke also is a 4.0 student, slated to be a valedictorian who hopes to attend Emory Riddle Aeronautical University next fall. “Cylus is someone that we are honored to be the face of Culver wrestling,” said Bulldogs coach J.D. Alley. “At all levels of our program and throughout our community as well as around the state, Cylus makes believers and fans of just about everyone he ever crosses paths with.”
Photo: Ryan Brennecke, The (Bend) Bulletin
Daniel McClung, Sr., Sprague (138)
Career record: 106-21
Season record: 15-5
In three state tournament appearances, McClung has finished third, second and second, including a runner-up finish to David Douglas’ Anthony Cha in the 6A 132 final last February. He also has placed twice at the Reser’s Tournament of Champions and been an Academic All-American. Oregon State and Corban University have shown interest in the Olympians standout. “Daniel is a great wrestler and leader for the Sprague program,” said coach Nolan Harris. “He can score from a variety of positions on the mat, while off the mat, he leads by example and embodies our team motto: train right, fight right, live right.”
David Rubio, Sr., McKay (182)
Career record: 68-15
Season record: 19-0
Rubio, who has committed to wrestle for Corban University, won a surprise state title at 6A 170 last February as a No. 8 seed, beating Sprague’s Landon Davis 3-1 in the final. This season, he has won titles at the Perry Burlison, Rick Herrin and Carey Larson tournaments. “David is a great athlete, teammate and leader,” said Scots coach Eric Harder. “He consistently pushes the pace in the practice room and is truly a student of the sport, constantly learning new techniques. His attitude and preparation will take him very far this season.”
Dax Bennett, Sr., Harrisburg (182)
Career record: 162-9
Season record: 24-2
Bennett is one of three wrestlers this season hoping to join elite company by becoming a four-time state champion – only 34 wrestlers have completed the feat in the 71-year history of the state tournament. Bennett, who is a two-time Reno Worlds champion who was named 18U Outstanding Wrestler in April, has signed with Clackamas Community College. The 2018 Class 3A Wrestler of the Year after going undefeated at 43-0, Bennett this season has won titles at the Sierra Nevada Classic, Devon Dawson, Culver and Linn County – his only losses came to out-of-state competition at the Reno Tournament of Champions. He also is an all-state baseball player and the league offensive back and defensive back of the year in football. “Dax is a very good athlete that hates to lose,” said his father and coach, Desmond Bennett. “Dax has always been a three-sport athlete, but I believe at the next level when he’s concentrating solely on wrestling, he will achieve anything that he decides to.”
Photo: Andy Cripe, Mid-Valley Media
Derrik Kerr, Sr., La Pine (145)
Career record: 74-8
Season record: 1-0
Kerr repeated as a 3A state champion last February, beating Harrisburg’s Chance Hendrickson 6-1 in the 120 final. A Reno Worlds All-American after posting a seventh-place finish at 120, he sat out the first six weeks of the season for disciplinary reasons but returned to the mat January 9 as he bids to join older brother David as a three-time state champion for the Hawks program.
Ein Carlos, Sr., North Salem (182)
Career record: 95-4
Season record: 0-0
Carlos has not lost to an in-state opponent since his freshman season, winning back-to-back state championships and being named 6A Wrestler of the Year as a junior. He also was fifth at FloNationals at 152 and third at the NHSCA Nationals, and he swept the folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman titles at 160 at Western States. His threepeat bid is on hold as he recovers from a hand injury suffered during preseason practice – he hopes to return to the mat in early February, just in time for district and state.
Elena Kroll, Sr., Hood River Valley (135)
Career record: 97-36
Season record: 21-2
Kroll is a two-time Oregon national team member who placed third at state last February. This season, she won the Bob Beisell title and finished second at Liberty and Kelso. Kroll also played on the Eagles’ fourth-place volleyball team and is on the lacrosse team. “Elena is tougher than heck on the mat,” said her father and coach, Trent Kroll. “As a coach, I am proud of her work ethic and desire to dominate. As a father, I am proud of her effort and ability to excel in many things in her life.”
Evangelina Torono, Sr., La Pine (170)
Career record: 26-7
Season record: 15-0
Torono broke through last season by finishing second at the girls state qualifier at 180 pounds, but a fourth-place finish at state left her motivated for her senior season. This winter, she has won five tournament titles – Central Oregon Officials, Culver, Adrian Irwin, Elmira and Bend.
Gabe Hambrick, Sr., Grant (220)
Career record: 44-15
Season record: 10-4
Hambrick is a two-time state qualifier who won a PIL district title and placed sixth at 6A 220 at last February’s state tournament. This season, he’s posted a sixth-place finish at Tyrone Woods and a second at Larry Owings. “Gabe has an outstanding work ethic and has been a tremendous leader inside and outside the wrestling room,” said Generals coach John Taylor. “Gabe is extremely focused and driven to be the best that he can be. He will go on to have great success in life – his best is yet to come.”
Photo: John Davenport Photography
Gaven Jolley, Sr., Sherwood (132)
Career record: 122-6
Season record: 12-0
Jolley’s bid to become a four-time state champion ended in the 6A 126 semifinals when he was disqualified for an illegal move. He shrugged off the disappointment of that decision and came back to place third – this after winning the 113 title as a freshman and at 120 the next year. In limited action this season, he won the Tyrone Woods tournament. “I think the only good thing to come out of the disappointment of last year’s state tournament is how well he handled it,” said Bowmen coach Jeff Wilson. “Gaven’s goal has always been to win four state titles, and to have that opportunity taken from him the way that it was was devastating for him. However, instead of letting it ruin the rest of his state tournament or letting his emotion get the best of him, he handled himself with class and fought back to take third. I was prouder of him at the end of last year's state tournament than I was after he won his state titles. I know that it has provided him with even more motivation to finish his high school career on a high note.”
Grace Miller, Sr., Hood River Valley (145)
Career record: 95-19
Season record: 22-1
Miller is a two-time Oregon national team member and three-time state finalist, finishing second each time – including a loss to All-American Malea Palahniuk of Thurston (out this season because of injury) in the 145 final. This season, Miller has won titles at Liberty and Bob Beisell and placed third at Kelso. “Grace sets goals and works hard to accomplish them,” said Eagles coach Trent Kroll. “I am amazed at her work ethic. I always know she will give 120 percent in each match. Whomever she chooses to wrestle for in college will be one lucky coach.”
Jack Rademacher, Sr., Sandy (195)
Career record: 83-17
Season record: 19-1
Rademacher is a three-time state placer who became the Pioneers’ first state champion since 2015 by defeating Dallas’ Treve Earhart 9-4 in the 5A 182 final. His victory capped a long, frustrating recovery from a concussion that affected both his sophomore and junior seasons. This year, coach Larry Topliff believes Rademacher is at 100 percent for the first time since his freshman season, and the results speak for themselves – titles at the Ranger Classic, Liberty and Carey Larson. “Jack has been a fun one to coach because one, he responds to criticism by listening to his coaches and employing their suggestions, and two, he is not concerned about his own success but wants to see everyone on the team improve,” Topliff said.
Jacob Jones, Sr., Dallas (160)
Career record: 137-28
Season record: 26-0
A year after placing third at state, Jones finally reached the top of the podium by winning the 5A 145 state title, stunning top seed Matthew Lee of Milwaukie in overtime. He is off to a dominant start to his senior season, winning titles at Perry Burlison, Rose City and Liberty.
Jaxson Rhoden, Sr., Crook County (195)
Career record: 69-40
Season record: 18-3
Rhoden looks to take the final step up the state podium this winter after posting a third-place finish at 4A 182 as a sophomore and second last year as a No. 5 seed, knocking off top seed Matt Carrillo of North Marion in the semifinals before falling to La Grande’s Elijah Livingston in the final. He has won titles at North Bend and Perry Burlison this season and reached the semifinals at Rollie Lane, losing to Fruitland’s Jonathon Fagen – a three-time Idaho state champion, US Cadet Greco Worlds qualifier and Cornell commit – before finishing fourth.
Joey Coste, Sr., Westview (138)
Career record: 104-10
Season record: 13-2
Coste won the 6A 120 state title as a freshman and was runner-up at 132 as a sophomore. He looked on his way to another finals appearance last season before a mystery illness sidelined him for the final seven weeks. Back and as strong as ever, Coste’s only losses this season have been to Tanner Craig of Camas, a Washington state champion, in the finals at Rose City and the Pacific Coast Championships. “Joey has a strong work ethic and the desire to be the best,” said Wildcats coach Michael Delaney.
Jonny Hernandez, Sr., Putnam (152)
Career record: 115-13
Season record: 19-2
Hernandez has made it on the podium at state in each of his first three seasons, placing third as a freshman, fourth as a sophomore and fifth last February. He earned All-America status with a fourth-place finish at 132 at Reno Worlds and won the Greco state championship over the summer, and this winter, he’s won titles at the Bruin Invite and Carey Larson and finished second at Don York. “I know that there are kids who work just as hard as Jonny throughout the state, but I can’t imagine anyone working harder than him,” said Kingsmen coach John Telesmanich. “As good as he is, he still listens to his coaches and still does everything he can to help the team. He is unbelievable to coach – a kid who comes along once in a blue moon.”
Jontae Hardaway, Sr., Cleveland (126)
Career record: 108-31
Season record: 29-4
Hardaway is a three-time state qualifier who put everything together last February, knocking off 6A 106 top seed Max Hodge of David Douglas in the semifinals and pushing Sprague’s Bollong Joklur to overtime in the final before falling 4-2. This season, he won the Don York title, took second at Liberty and placed fourth at North Bend. “Jontae is a wrestler that has improved every week since he’s been out for the sport,” said Warriors coach Jeff Zerba.
Jordan Mode, Sr., Willamina/Falls City (285)
Career record: 92-55
Season record: 20-7
Mode has placed each of the past two seasons at the state tournament, finishing sixth as a sophomore before reaching the 3A 220 final last February, losing to Nyssa’s two-time champion Jose Sanchez to finish the season 36-8. This season, Mode has won titles at the Bob Bishop and Central tournaments, finished fourth at Rose City and placed sixth at Gut Check. “Jordan has really blossomed in the past couple of years,” said Bulldogs coach Ariah Fasana. “He has gained needed strength to compete at the heavier weights and is one of the strongest kids I have ever coached.”
Jordan Reyes, Sr., Willamina/Falls City (113)
Career record: 107-10
Season record: 15-1
Reyes has drawn looks from SUNY Buffalo and Purdue to wrestle in college, and based on his high school results, it’s easy to see why. A two-time state runner-up in his first two seasons, he finally reached the top of the podium last February when he defeated Cascade Christian’s Ryan Vidlak 3-0 in the 3A 106 final. A multiple-time All-American, including this summer when he placed sixth at Reno Worlds at 113, he’s won titles this winter at Rose City and Bob Bishop, with his only loss in the Gut Check final to Prosser’s Reyden Huizar, one of Washington’s top freshmen. “Jordan has been a pleasure to coach,” said Bulldogs coach Ariah Fasana. “He has traveled for competition and is the hardest worker in the room.”
Joseph Foster, Sr., Dallas (138)
Career record: 132-36
Season record: 6-2
Foster is a three-time state qualifier and two-time placer, finishing sixth as a sophomore and third as a junior at 5A 132 to complete a season that included a fifth-place finish at Rose City, third at Reser’s and a Mid-Willamette district title.
Jose Sanchez, Sr., Nyssa (220)
Career record: 120-21
Season record: 22-3
Sanchez earned a second state championship last February, winning the 3A 220 title to follow a title at 195 as a sophomore and a third-place finish at 182 as a freshman. After signing with Idaho State to play football during the early signing period, Sanchez returned to the mat with titles at Calhoun and Adrian, a fourth-place finish at Sierra Nevada (his third podium finish – he was sixth in 2017 and won a title in 2018) and a second-place finish at Rollie Lane. “Wrestling Jose is like wrestling a really fast grizzly bear,” said Bulldogs coach Luke Cleaver. “Kids like this don’t come along very often, and we’re honored to be part of his life. Like most of our kids, his exposure to wrestling outside of the high school season is limited, but we have no doubt if he wanted to wrestle at the next level, he’d be very successful. We look forward to helping him complete his goal of three-time state champion before he moves on to the college football world.”
Julian Stone, Sr., North Medford (220)
Career record: 129-45
Season record: 21-2
Stone is a three-time state qualifier who finally reached the podium as a junior last February, bouncing back from a second-round defeat at 6A 220 to place third. Over the summer, he earned All-America status with a fourth-place finish at Reno Worlds, and he was an Oregon national team member. This winter, he’s built off that success with titles at Tyrone Woods, North Bend and – biggest of all – the Reno Tournament of Champions as a No. 8 seed, beating Fargo All-American Chris Island of Vacaville, Calif., in the final. “The sky is the limit for Julian,” said Black Tornado coach Phillip Lopez. “He is always proving people wrong. He is extremely strong and never gets tired – he loves to stay in your face. He leads by example and never makes excuses.”
Kaimana Wa’a, Sr., Crescent Valley (285)
Career record: 52-35
Season record: 20-10
Wa’a wrestled each of his first two high school seasons before sitting out his junior year to focus on football. He was rewarded when he signed a letter-of-intent with the University of Hawaii last month, and Rainbow Warriors coaches suggested he return to the wrestling mat to prepare for college football. His return has been marked by fourth-place finishes at two prestigious tournaments – Reno Tournament of Champions, where he reached the semifinals, and Doc Buchanan – along with podium finishes at North Bend (fourth) and Perry Burlison (fifth). “We are all super thankful that his college coach told him to compete,” said Raiders coach Chad Lamer. “The first time I wrestled with ‘Bubz’ as a freshman, I knew that he was a special kid – most guys his age and size just don’t have the balance he had back then. He really has ability that most guys his size just don’t have, the balance, power, speed and explosiveness that most aren’t blessed with. The improvement he has made since the beginning of the (season) has been impressive.”
Photo: John Sachs
Kasey Erwin, Sr., Lowell (138)
Career record: 111-38
Season record: 20-1
Erwin is a three-time state qualifier who has reached the final each of the past two years, finishing second to Justin Doyle of Monroe at 2A/1A 132 as a sophomore before rolling to the 132 title last February to cap a season in which he won four tournaments. He’s picked up right where he left off this winter, winning titles at Willie Wilkinson, Springfield and the Elmira Holiday tournaments and placing second at Alsea Bay, where he suffered his first loss at the hands of Grants Pass’ Elliot Harris.
Kyleigh Lopez, Sr., North Medford (120)
Career record: 23-14 (vs. boys), 18-1 (vs. girls)
Season record: 8-4 (vs. boys), 2-0 (vs. girls)
One of Oregon’s most decorated female wrestlers is back to go for her fourth state championship as girls wrestling becomes an official OSAA division this winter. Lopez is a USA Folkstyle All-American and a Reno Worlds All-American, and she placed fifth at the Cadet World Team Trials. Ranked No. 13 in the nation at 112 pounds by FloWrestling and a Southern Oregon commit for both wrestling and volleyball (she earned first-team all-Southwest honors as a setter last fall), she has two second-place finishes against the boys this season at Tyrone Woods and Rogue Valley. “Kyleigh is extremely competitive and does not like to lose in anything she does,” said Black Tornado coach Phillip Lopez of Kyleigh, who also is an all-league infielder in softball. “Whatever sport she is performing in, you can count on her hustle and her honesty.”
Landon Davis, Sr., Sprague (170)
Career record: 98-32
Season record: 18-5
Davis is a three-time state qualifier who has placed twice – sixth as a sophomore and second last February, when he fell to McKay’s David Rubio in the 6A 170 final. The Menlo University commit earned All-America status with a fourth-place finish at Reno Worlds, and this season, he’s finished second at Rose City and seventh at the Reno Tournament of Champions. “Landon does a great job of bringing the team together,” said Olympians coach Nolan Harris. “He is always available to help his teammates out and makes vast contributions towards team chemistry. His success on the mat is due to his hard work and mental toughness. We expect relentless pressure and an exciting match every time he competes.”
Lane Marshall, Sr., Oregon City (285)
Career record: 110-19
Season record: 17-0
Marshall has placed at state each of the past two years, finishing fourth as a sophomore before reaching the 6A 285 final last February, losing to top seed Tristan Osborn of Newberg in the final. He’s off to a strong start to his senior campaign, winning titles at Tyrone Woods and Liberty.
Legend Lamer, Sr., Crescent Valley (145)
Career record: 136-4
Season record: 29-1
Lamer has lived up to his first name throughout his high school career. He won his third state title last February in dominant fashion, with only one match even reaching the second round before finishing off his run through the 5A 138 bracket with a 64-second pin of Thurston’s Shane Teigen. Since then, he won a USA Folkstyle national championship in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and committed to join his older brother Brawley wrestling at Cal Poly. In his senior season, Lamer (ranked No. 15 in the nation at 138 by FloWrestling) has won titles at Perry Burlison, North Bend, Benton County and the Reno Tournament of Champions, suffering his only loss in the semifinals at Doc Buchanan to Michigan State commit Chase Saldate of Gilroy, Calif., before placing third. “Legend has been wrestling his whole life and been to a lot of national tournaments as a youth wrestler, so he has been in all those tough competitions, which is why he is so tough as a wrestler,” said his father and coach, Chad Lamer. “We work on fine-tuning things that slow him down against the top kids in the country. He has areas that he needs to work on to continue to get better, but there isn’t much he doesn’t know as far as technique, how to get up for a big match and pushing himself to train hard.”
Lorenzo Vasquez, Sr., Culver (120)
Career record: 137-16
Season record: 20-1
Vasquez is vying to become the third Culver wrestler to join the exclusive four-time state champion group after earning his third title in impressive fashion last February with three pins, including a first-round fall against Tyler Huerta of Myrtle Point in the 2A/1A 120 final. A USA Folkstyle All-American after a third-place finish at nationals and an Oregon Greco-Roman state finalist, Vasquez has committed to wrestle at Southern Oregon. This season, his only loss came in the Sierra Nevada final to Richard Castro-Sandoval of Santa Ynez Valley, Calif. – he’s also won titles at Culver, Adrian Irwin and Jo-Hi. “It has been a truly memorable experience to be involved in the journey that has got Lorenzo to this point in his career,” said Culver coach J.D. Alley. “He has matured into one that leads by example, and he has become a true student of this great sport. Yet, we hope that the best is yet to come for the kid we call ‘Little Man.’ ”
Loryn Edmunds, Sr., Oakridge (190)
Career record: 23-8
Season record: 3-1
Edmunds is a two-time Reno Worlds All-American, finishing second in 2017 and third last summer following a junior season in which she placed third at Oregon Classic and fourth at state at 160. She has enlisted in the US Army as a Patriot missile launcher, but not before going for a state title in the first year girls wrestling is an official division. This season, her best finish has come at Springfield, where she placed second.
Macoy Christman, Sr., Cascade (220)
Career record: 74-15
Season record: 16-3
A year after making the podium at state for the first time when he reached the 4A 220 final, losing to teammate Louie Sanchez 5-1 as Sanchez finished an undefeated season, Christman reached the quarterfinals at Rose City in his first tournament and went 7-0 at the Northwest Duals.
Marissa Kurtz, Sr., Sweet Home (120)
Career record: 31-6
Season record: 9-1
Kurtz is another of the pioneers of Oregon girls wrestling who is wrapping up an accomplished career this winter. She is a two-time state champion and three-time finalist, as well as a three-time Fargo national qualifier, and a West Regional and Western States Championships titlist in Greco-Roman. She ranked eighth on the Future Olympians list at 117 by USA Wrestling. This season, she has won titles at Perry Burlison and Grants Pass, suffering her only loss in the War of the Roses final to Stephanie Blankenship of Sunnyside, Wash. “Marissa is responsible for building our women’s program,” said Huskies coach Steve Thorpe. “She leads by example and is committed to making women’s wrestling grow at our school and in our state. She has taken every opportunity to get better, and I am excited for her future in the sport.”
Marley Zook, Sr., Roosevelt (140)
Career record: 21-5
Season record: 5-1
Zook has been snakebitten when it comes to qualifying for the state tournament, but she’s started off fast in her senior season, finishing second at the War of the Roses to Kentwood’s Ivy Kraght, then winning the Jefferson tournament.
Mili-Nanea Nihipali, Sr., Century (235)
Career record: 35-6
Season record: 9-2
Nihipali has reached the state final each of the past two years, winning it all last February by defeating Idara Ette of David Douglas 5-2 in the 220 title match. A two-time Hood River Elks champion coming into the season, she repeated as Gladstone champion and added a title at Bob Beisell before placing fifth at the elite Kelso tournament. She is ranked No. 14 in the nation at 225 by FloWrestling and is drawing looks from a host of college programs.
Nick Peterson, Sr., Hillsboro (160)
Career record: 127-32
Season record: 30-3
Peterson is a three-time state qualifier who finally reached the podium last February, placing third at 5A 138 after reaching the semifinals. He then earned All-America status with a fifth-place finish at Reno Worlds at 145, and he’s carried that momentum into the season, placing second at Rose City, winning titles at Lindberg and Hilhi, and missing out on the podium at the Reno Tournament of Champions by one round. “Nick is the hardest worker in the room and hasn’t missed a practice – ever,” said Spartans coach Jeremy Peterson. “He constantly seeks out opportunities to wrestler bigger, better opponents. He has a tremendous work ethic and leadership that mixes well with his natural ability.”
Oliver Myers, Sr., Newberg (182)
Career record: 109-32
Season record: 32-0
Myers won a district title and missed out on a state podium finish by one round as a sophomore, then came back last winter to place fourth at state at 6A 160. This season, he’s won titles at two of the Northwest’s top tournaments – Rose City and Best of the West. “Oliver is one of the neatest young men that you will ever meet,” said Tigers coach Neil Russo. “He is humble, genuine and works hard. His wrestling is as consistent as you will ever see. He has emerged as the leader of this program.”
Oscar Atterberry, Sr., Sheldon (285)
Career record: 48-20
Season record: 18-2
Atterberry had his breakthrough season as a junior last winter, winning the Southwest district title to qualify for state for the first time and missing out on a podium finish by one round. He followed that with a sixth-place finish at Reno Worlds to earn All-America status, and this winter, he’s won three tournaments (Devon Dawson, Springfield and Adrian Irwin), reached the final at King of the Hill and placed third at Grants Pass.
Phillip Kue, Sr., Centennial (138)
Career record: 134-4
Season record: 29-0
Kue has lost only once at Memorial Coliseum – in the 6A 106 semifinals as a freshman before placing third – and won his second state title last February, capping a 45-0 season. He recently signed with Ohio State University to wrestle for the Buckeyes, but not before a senior season that has started with titles at Rick Herrin and Don York. “Working with Phillip is a coach’s dream,” said Eagles coach Roger Matthews. “He gives 110 percent all of the time, and his work ethic is unlike any other wrestler I have ever coached. Phillip doesn’t take anything for granted, because we know that each opponent is gunning for him. He shows up to everything, does all of the extra stuff to be better and manages his weight on his own.”
Quinn Brink, Sr., Lakeridge (152)
Career record: 103-8
Season record: 11-0
Brink is a three-time state placer, taking fifth as a freshman before winning the 6A 126 title as a sophomore. Last year, a loss in the district final led to a difficult state draw, but after losing in the quarterfinals to West Albany’s Sawyer Myers, he came back to place third by avenging that district loss to West Linn’s Cael Brunson. Brink, who has applied to the US Naval Academy and Brown University, placed second at the state freestyle championships over the summer and recently won the Pacific Coast Championships title. “Quinn has been an absolute joy to work with,” said Pacers coach Brandon McDonald. “The way he is able and willing to process mistakes and work to improve is incredible. He has elevated our room as a whole and allowed the other wrestlers in the program to believe they can be successful.”
Photo: Tim Vincent
Robbie Yunke, Sr., Sweet Home (145)
Career record: 130-42
Season record: 28-7
Yunke is a three-time state qualifier who twice has lost in the blood round, making the podium as a sophomore with a fifth-place finish. A multiple state placer in both freestyle and Greco-Roman, he earned All-America status with an eighth-place finish at Reno Worlds, and this season he has reached the podium at Perry Burlison (third), Rose City (fourth), Grants Pass (third) and Linn County (second). “Robbie is a quality wrestler and a pinner,” said Huskies coach Steve Thorpe. “He works very hard in and out of the wrestling room.”
Sarah Conner, Sr, Central Linn (140)
Career record: 23-0
Season record: 3-0
Conner is a two-time state champion who placed eighth in the Junior Women’s 132 bracket at Fargo Nationals and seventh at the USA Women’s National Championships at 61 kilograms over the summer. This season, she won the title at the Central Linn Invitational.
Sean Harman, Sr., West Linn (170)
Career record: 136-4
Season record: 16-0
Harman is ranked No. 10 in the nation by FloWrestling and signed with the University of Missouri. A three-time state finalist and two-time state champion who has won 76 consecutive high school matches, he added All-America status with a seventh-place finish in Junior Freestyle at Fargo Nationals and a fourth at FloNationals (both at 160) over the summer to his list of accolades that includes three-time Pacific Coast Championships titlist, three-time Rose City champion, two-time Cadet All-American in freestyle and Greco at Fargo, and winning the preseason Mike Clock Open by beating five college wrestlers. “Sean loves wrestling and loves to be challenged,” said Lions coach Doug Samarron. “He is a special kid.”
Photo: Linda MacClanathan
Steven Beckman, Sr., Joseph/Wallowa (120)
Career record: 115-15
Season record: 9-2
Beckman looks to become his program’s first three-time state champion after a junior campaign capped with a dominant run to the 2A/1A 106 title – he won three matches by fall in a combined 2 minutes, 51 seconds. This season, he’s won titles at the Enterprise Kick-Off and Orofino tournaments and placed second at the Jo-Hi. “Steven is that one wrestler who is always early and works late,” said Joseph coach Tim Kiesecker. “I would take a hundred Stevens. He always helps the team to become better wrestlers. He will be missed after he graduates.”
Tanner Ulrey, Sr., Crater (120)
Career record: 93-28
Season record: 16-4
Ulrey started his career at North Medford, where he qualified for state as a freshman. Since transferring to Crater, he has qualified for state twice more, finally making the medals podium last February by placing third as the top seed. This season, he has won titles at Eagle Point and Doc Peterson, finished second at North Bend and placed fourth at El Cajon.
Titus Rice, Sr., Pleasant Hill (152)
Career record: 101-11
Season record: 10-0
Rice won state titles as a freshman and sophomore, then narrowly missed out on a third championship last year, falling 1-0 in the 3A 145 final to Scio’s Brandon Zeiher. He transferred from Creswell to Pleasant Hill over the summer, and this season has won titles at Sutherlin and King of the Hill.
Tristan Bennett, Sr., Neah-Kah-Nie (220)
Career record: 118-8
Season record: 0-0
Bennett steadily moved up the medals podium at state during his career – from third as a freshman to second as a sophomore to state champion last February, needing just a combined 49 seconds in his three matches to romp to the 2A/1A 220 title, pinning Billie Tucker of Butte Falls in 21 seconds in the final. A Western Oregon commit for football – he was the Northwest League defensive player of the year and a first-team 2A all-state linebacker – he broke his foot and tibia in the first quarter of a state quarterfinal and hopes to return to the mat by the end of this month, just in time for the wrestling postseason. “Tristan has always been a tough wrestler,” said his father and coach, Chris Bennett. “His goal has always been to win multiple state titles. He took care of business last year and has the same goal in mind this year. He is a pleasure to have in the wrestling room – his presence elevates all of our wrestlers.”
Victor Torres, Sr., Madras (160)
Career record: 114-33
Season record: 15-2
Torres and his younger brother, Orlando, transferred from Culver in the offseason. While at Culver, Victor placed at 2A/1A state in his first three years – fourth as a freshman, second as a sophomore, and 152 champion last February after beating Brody Davidson of Santiam 18-7 in the final. This season with the White Buffaloes, he has won titles at Culver and the Pacific Rim Armed Forces tournaments and reached the finals at Adrian Irwin and Central Oregon Officials. “Victor has all the physical tools to be very successful,” said coach Cameron Mitchem. “He is a very talented athlete that has opportunities at the next level in both football (Torres was a first-team all-league running back) and wrestling. It has been fun to work with such a gifted athlete.”
Zach Holland, Sr., Glide (170)
Career record: 119-11
Season record: 13-0
Holland is another wrestler who steadily climbed the steps of the medals podium at state throughout his career – third as a freshman, second as a sophomore and finally a state championship last February, capping a 36-1 season with a 3A 160 title, beating Nyssa’s Dearden Woodruff 9-4 in the final. This season, Holland has won four tournaments – Culver, King of the Hill, Willie Wilkinson and Myrtle Point.
Zack Welker, Sr., Glide (285)
Career record: 86-33
Season record: 19-2
Welker has brought home two state medals during his career, placing sixth as a sophomore after an injury forced him to default his semifinal match, then taking third last year at 3A 285. This season, he’s won titles at Willie Wilkinson, Myrtle Point, Tim Fine and Culver, reached the final at Sutherlin and placed third at King of the Hill.
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