Wrestlers hit the mats

High school wrestling competition got underway this week in “Season Four,” which finds traditional winter sports taking place in late spring.

The Sisters Outlaws got busy right away, with two meets last week.

The team opened the season this week hosting a three-way match with Summit and Stayton on May 19 and followed it up with the 18-team GFP Central Oregon Officials Tournament on Saturday, May 22, also hosted by Sisters.

Gary Thorson said his team is composed mostly of beginners, with some veterans who provide leadership and role-modeling.

Wrestling in one’s first meet is a learning experience, according to Thorson.

“The new kids competed hard but for sure had their eyes opened a bit,” he said. “Central Oregon has some of the best high school wrestling in the state, so they are definitely getting challenged right out of the gate.

“Wrestling is a very tough, technical sport,” he added. “Experience is everything.”

Junior Wyatt Maffey has become “the engine” for the program this year, according to Thorson. Also returning to the team are Jared Miller, Jacobi Washington, Daisy Patterson, and Henry Rard, who all competed at the district level last year. Hunter Spor, Miguel Gaona, and Hayden Kunz have also returned after taking a break from the sport.

In the first competition against Summit and Stayton the Outlaws got a pair of pins from Hayden Kunz, Dolan Pool, and Hunter Spor. It was the first match ever for most of the rest of the team.

“Most of them got at least two appearances on the mat and it was a great meet to start the season,” said Thorson.

The team got a lift when the state lifted the mandatory mask requirement for wrestling.

“That was a big relief for the kids because wearing the mask during practice and competition was very difficult physically for the kids,” said Thorson.

All of the Central Oregon teams were represented as well as many from throughout the state.

Thorson said, “The GFP Central Oregon Officials Wrestling Tournament was a great experience for the program and no one can remember Sisters hosting such a large wrestling event in recent memory.”

The Outlaws split in their dual matches, narrowly losing to North Marion but bouncing back well to defeat Madras.

Hunter Spor and Hayden Kunz picked up a pair of pins for Sisters at the varsity level, and Carson Brown and Jacob Washington won key matches the win over Madras.

Dolan Pool had a good day for the Outlaws in the junior varsity tournament.

Thorson is looking forward to the remainder of the season.

“We are very excited and thankful to be able to wrestle this year,” he said. “This is a hard-working bunch that looks after each other well and will push each other in practice. They will compete hard on the mat and represent SHS and the community well.”