Wrestlers compete in season opener

Sisters wrestlers traveled to Cascade on December 1 and competed in the Perry Burlison Tournament, where 27 teams were in attendance. The tourney offers a JV tournament and now also includes a tournament for the girls.

Coach John Downs decided to send his younger, more inexperienced wrestlers to the JV tournament, and had seven of his more seasoned matmen compete in the main tourney. Daisy Patterson, the Outlaws' lone girl wrestler, competed at 130 pounds in the girls tournament. Patterson had a good outing, and finished third, with only two losses.

It was a very intense varsity tournament and the Outlaws matmen had a difficult time, with only two scoring points: junior Dylan King (145 pounds), and Michael Zoormajian (132 pounds).

On the flip-side, the JV wrestlers did an outstanding job in their first competition of the season. Sophomore Migual Guana (138 pounds), junior Ryan Carter (132 pounds), and freshman Wyatt Maffey (145 pounds), all posted two wins and one loss in their respective weight classes.

The wrestling squad is in a rebuilding year, and is currently low in numbers, as they graduated eight seniors last year. Downs is pleased that the 14 wrestlers he has this year are committed to individual success and making themselves better every day.

"I can see their commitment in practice, as they work very hard without me having to really push them," said Downs. "The freshmen and inexperienced players can only get better, as long as they understand the effort and commitment it takes, and so far this team has that. I see a great future and leadership for this team out of these young wrestlers.

The Outlaws' lone returning senior is Dalton Ford at 120 pounds, and Downs told The Nugget that Dalton is going to be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Also back for another year are juniors Ethan Martin (182 pounds), Anthony Randolph (145 pounds), Austin Pade (145 pounds), Rylan Carter (132 pounds), Dillon King (138 pounds), and Damian King (220 pounds).

"I have confidence that these young men will step into leadership roles and help with the rebuilding this year and next," said Downs."

Dyut Fetrow has taken over as the new middle school coach. Dyut wrestled for Downs for seven years and understands how the program runs.

"Dyut knows how important it is to have a good time, but also how to learn lots of moves," said Downs. "Dyut was a state-qualifying wrestler for me a couple years ago, and I think he'll do a great job helping me build wrestling in Sisters."