O' Brien shines in wrestling match

Josh O'Brien was the lone wrestler to record a win in the Outlaws' first home wrestling match of the season against Summit on January 12.

O'Brien (138 pounds) dominated Brian Pechan in an exhibition match and recorded a pin in round one to bring the match to a quick end.

Coach Gene O'Brien said, "Josh got everything together tonight and was really in sync. He's on track, he's at his weight and locked in."

Josh went on to defeat Lane Dowen, the No. 1 seed and winner in last week's tournament at the Bend High Tournament. O'Brien won by a fall in round one with a cow catcher.

Coach O'Brien said, "Josh caught both of Dowen's arms from behind his back and threw him down for the pin."

Although no other wrestlers posted wins, O'Brien told The Nugget that two other wrestlers had very good matches.

Ryan Long (152 pounds) took Brandon Cutter all the way to round three with the score tied at 9-9. Cutter caught Long in a mistake in the final round, took advantage and won by a fall.

Austin Morlan (195 pounds) also looked good in his match against Matt Burbiodge.

"Austin had him (Burbiodge) pinned in round one but the scorekeeper accidentally hit the buzzer and so they stopped the match and had to start over. They finished out the final 16 seconds of the round and then in round two Austin got pinned."

The Outlaws matmen will compete against seven other teams at the Madras Memorial Tournament on Saturday, January 21. Sisters' next home meet will be on January 31.