Wrestling team impacted by injuries
Junior Ethan Hawes, fights to take down a Mountain View Cougar. Hawes pinned Alex Pierce for the Storm’s only victory in a 74-6 dual meet loss with the powerhouse Crook County Cowboys. Their remainng four games will all be on the road, including matches against defending state champions Hermiston, along with Pendleton and two contests with The Dalles Wahtonka.
February 10, 2009 • Madison Guernsey
Filed under Sports
The 2008-09 wrestling season began with high hopes looking to the guidance of new head coach Tom Nelson and assistant coach Nathan Neil.
Neil, a transfer from Gilchrist High School, already has proved himself reputable and is working hard to keep the strong Summit wrestling tradition alive and well.
“We are have a strong group of underclassmen who will take us far in the next few years,” said Neil.
Nelson was previously an assistant under former coach Jason Colquhoun.
“I’m really happy to see our numbers growing,” said Nelson, who welcomed a record turnout of 45 potential wrestlers looking to hit the mat.
Upperclassmen Ethan Hawes leads the way after Mitch Reuth and Owen Quon suffered season-ending knee injuries. Hawes, a juinor, has a good chance to make it to the state tournament, according to coach Nelson.
Several sophomores and freshmen also add strength to the squad.
A total of ten freshmen are on the varsity team, including Josh Brandt and TJ Peay, both of whom took first at freshmen districts. Freshman Victor Reyes is excited for the upcoming season. “It’s fun, it’s crazy, and it’s going to be a great year.”
Fans of IMC wrestling expect to see a very competitive confrence, with Hermiston looking to defend their state title.
Although the Storm had one of their best seasons in team history last winter, there is a mutual feeling in the locker room that they must improve upon last year’s fifth place finish at Districts.
“Last year’s season was great,” said Hawes. “But the increase in numbers has made it both fun and easier to improve in practice, and because of that anything less than a state tournament appearance will be a disappointment.”
Summit finished sixth in the two-day 11- team Springfield Tournament in early December.
After forfeiting matches at 103, 112 and 119 pounds, Madras went on to dominate the remaining weights, winning 58 to the Storm’s 18 points, all but one match by pin.
Winning by fall for Summit in the Mountain View dual wrestling meet, were Connor Rueth (119), Josh Brandt (145) and Conrad Dickinson (189).
Coach Nelson is proud of all the hard work the team has already put in. “This is one of the hardest working groups of kids I’ve ever experienced coaching.”
The boy’s varsity squad wrapped up their home season Thursday, Feb. 5 against the always strong Crook County Cowboys.
Hawes pinned Alex Pierce for the Storm’s only victory in a 74-6 dual meet loss.
Their remainng four games will all be on the road, including matches against defending state champions Hermiston, along with Pendleton and two contests with The Dalles Wahtonka.
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