Wrestlers grapple with Elmira

Senior Gilbert Porraz' match was the highlight of the home match against Elmira on Thursday, February 4. Porraz (160 pounds) dominated the entire match and pinned Chris Engelmann in round three for the victory.

"Gilbert started with a side throw and then pinned Engelmann at 5:22 with a front double arm bar," said Coach Gene O'Brien. "Gilbert took last year off but he's coming back strong and improving every match. He's our team captain, a great leader, and right now is very focused on districts."

Ryan Long (135 pounds) had total control during his match and pinned Renee Samaro in round two.

O'Brien stated that all of his wrestlers were winning their matches and held big point advantages, but they made simple mistakes which cost them the match.

"We made mistakes we've never made before," said O'Brien. "It was kind of weird. But, we're going to be working hard the next two weeks to fix them."

Freshman Josh O'Brien suffered his first loss of the season. O'Brien had a 12-6 lead in round three and then got turned on his back, lost control and lost the match in a 15-12 decision.

Connor Morgan (189 pounds) wrestled out of his weight class but will be wrestling at either 160 or 171 pounds at districts.

"Connor has such potential, even wrestling out of his weight class, and he's coming on strong," stated O'Brien.

O'Brien told The Nugget that he feels the Outlaws will surprise a lot of people at the district meet.

"We're a young, new team, and we're making mistakes a young team makes," said O' Brien. "Our losses have been because of simple mistakes that can be easily corrected, and I think that a lot of people are going to be surprised at districts."

The Outlaws are currently in fifth place in league, just ahead of Marist, but hope to move up a couple of notches before districts. Cottage Grove is in first place, followed by Elmira. Junction City holds third place, and Pleasant Hill is in fourth place.

Sisters will travel to La Pine on Thursday, February 11, and will wrestle against the Billies of Pleasant Hill.