Outlaws take fourth at wrestling tournament

The Outlaws wrestling squad placed fourth behind three 5A schools in the 27th annual Nels Ochs Tournament in Madras on Saturday, January 5.

Thomas Schantz (189 pounds) led the Outlaws with a second-place finish. Schantz opened the tourney with a first round bye and then recorded a first round fall over Cameron Eisenzimmer of Sandy. Schantz was able to hold his own against Trevor Barrett of Madras in the finals before he was taken to his back from neutral position.

"Thomas continues to turn in solid performances in every match," said Coach Jeff Smith. "It's fun to watch his development."

Junior Dylan Mackenzie (152 pounds) and Isaac Gonzales (112 pounds) both earned fourth-place medals.

"Dylan competed hard all day, sometimes avoiding a fall when facing a much more experienced competitor," said Smith. "He wrestled smart and took chances late in the match when a fall was the only way he could win."

Canyon Bork (125 pounds), Ben Freeland (140 pounds) and Gilbert Porraz (145 pounds) all placed fifth.

Two days earlier Sisters traveled to Pleasant Hill for a dual meet against the Billies.

The Outlaws were forced to face their Sky-Em opponents without Kody Johns, who underwent successful knee surgery Friday.

"It really hurt to lose Kody," said Smith. "He was our leader in the middle weights, and it's hard to see such a relentless competitor get sidelined."

Johns will not be able to return to the Outlaw lineup this season.

Sisters was forced to forfeit eight matches and lost the meet 15-60.

Gonzales and Mackenzie won by forfeit, and Schantz earned a hard fought 12-7 decision over Sean Ortiz. Schantz is now 3-0 in league.

Sisters will have a short break from the mats and resume competition on January 17 when they will host a dual meet against Cottage Grove.