Wrestlers grapple at championships

Two Outlaws - seniors Dyut Fetrow and Zach Reid - attended the Oregon State Wrestling Championships, held at the Portland Memorial Coliseum, Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27. The duo wrapped up their high school careers at the memorable event.

Crook County dominated the tournament and took first-place honors with a score of 249 to earn their fourth-straight title. Marshfield was runner-up with 175 points, and Henley took third with 150 points.

Reid (132 pounds) faced fifth-place seed Braxton Sue from Scappoose in his first match of the tournament, and was pinned in 1.57. Sue was a tough opponent who went on to earn a third-place finish.

In his first round of consolations, Zach went three rounds against Skylar Jones from La Grande before he lost 12-4 in a major decision.

"I was very proud of Zach stepping up in that consolation match, wrestling all three rounds and fighting to the end," said Coach John Downs. "I have coached Zach for six years, and I have been proud of him every year. He is one of those wrestlers that any coach would be proud to have on their team."

Fetrow (138 pounds) went up against fifth-seeded Cedar King from Phoenix in his first match of the tournament, and battled three hard-fought rounds before he lost in a 13-11 decision. King, like Sue, also went on to earn a third-place finish.

In Fetrow's first match of consolations, he faced Beau Blossom of North Valley. Dyut again went all three rounds, and this time came out on top in a 9-7 decision. In his second match of consolations, Dyut went up against eighth-seeded Ryan Mount from Molalla, and lost by a fall in 1:26.

"Going the full length of three rounds in his last two matches took a toll on Dyut," said Downs. "He was exhausted. Dyut stepped on the mat with all of his heart, but was zapped of energy and strength.

"It's hard to explain to those who haven't experienced the higher caliber of skill and intensity that goes along with wrestling at the state competition," said Downs. "Zach and Dyut both realized this after their tough losses in the first round. I was very impressed with both of them as they adjusted their intensity level and determination to be more competitive in their next rounds."

Both Fetrow and Reid were coached by Downs all through middle school, and when Downs was chosen as the Sisters High School varsity wrestling coach, both boys moved up with him as freshmen.

"These two seniors' work ethic that they have given me in the six-plus years I have coached them, reaffirms to me why year after year I sacrifice my time, my family, and my income to coach this sport that I love," said Downs. "I know these two young men will grow up and excel in whatever they do. I am very proud of Zach and Dyut, and they will be missed by a team that they helped build."