Wrestlers battle to state finals slots

Isaac Gordon and Brandon O’Brien will both advance to the State Wrestling Tournament, which will be held at the Pavilion at the State Fairgrounds in Salem on Friday and Saturday, February 18-19.

Wrestlers had to finish in the top three at District this past weekend to advance to State and both Gordon and O’Brien did just that.

Gordon (125 pounds) lost a tough match to Jon Farris of Sweet Home in the championship round to take second place.

“It was a very controversial match,” said Coach Tony Cosby, “and many people were very upset over a couple of disputed calls.”

On a positive note, Cosby had praise for Gordon.

“Isaac is so close to doing something really big at State,” said Cosby. “If he can wrestle hard for two or three days he’ll place very high. He’s just incredible.”

Brandon O’Brien (171 pounds) finished third.

“This will be Brandon’s second time to State,” said Cosby, “and he has a real opportunity to perform well.”

Both Chad Kernutt (130 pounds) and Jake Klient (152 pounds) finished fourth.

“Chad was really incredible,” said Cosby. “He’s just a freshman and just one more win and he’d have gone to State.”

Wes Hodson (160 pounds) and Dustin Hammack (189 pounds) both finished fifth.

Nathan McFarland (189 pounds) finished sixth.

“Coaches from all the other schools were all amazed at how well the tournament went and at our amazing parental support,” said Cosby. “I’d like to thank all the incredible volunteers and helpers we had who made the tournament run so smoothly.”