Junior Skyler Sutton of Cascade captured the 113-pound title to help lead the Cougars to a fourth-place finish in the Class 4A wrestling championships Feb. 22-24 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The sterling state finish coupled with a second place at districts marked a strong first season for first-year coach Spencer Crawford, who replaced longtime Cougars head man Jason Lovell.
Sutton scored a 5-0 victory against Brett Haitinier of Tillamook and although he was the lone state champ for the Cougars he had tons of help as nine other Cougars racked up team points.
Matthew Hinkle took second at 190, falling in the final to Gavin Sandoval of Crook County. Hans Kamm advanced to the semifinals at 126 pounds. Ethan Coates wrestled to third at 165, a spot also claimed by heavyweight Nicholas Lopez. Brody Copple (138) and Caleb Darby were fourth. Griffin Copple (150) was sixth, Conrad Baxter and Solomon Sandoval (215) won matches and Brett Welch (175) also participated.
Stayton scored 25 team points and finished 14th, led by Leonardo Michel, who finished third at 138, where he took a 10-2 major decision from Cascade’s Brody Copple in the match for third. The result mirrored the district meet, where Michel pinned Brody Copple in the final. Also winning matches for the Eagles were Luke Sorensen (106) and Lyric Burroughs (157), while Oskar Arceneaux (144) and Liam Ritchie (150) also participated.
Regis, meanwhile, scored 29 points and finished 14th in the 2A/1A meet in just its third year of offering the sport. Thomas Bischoff finished second at 215, falling via a 3-1 decision to Cody Vance of Toledo. Bischoff won a state title a year ago at 170. Mark Nusom advanced to the semifinals at 190 for the Rams, Logan Kirsch captured a pair of match wins at 175 and Noah Koenig (150), Josh Crowell (106) and Gavyn Andall (285) also participated.
In girls competition Cascade, led by state champion Evelyn Wirfs, scored 22 points and finished 29th in the 4A-3A-2A-1A meet. Riley Paden (140) and Alexis Cruz (100) also participated for the Cougars.
Basketball: Stayton and Cascade both are alive and well in the playoffs. The Stayton girls visit Marshfield on Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m., while Cascade hosts Crook County at 6 p.m. For the boys, Cascade hosts LaGrande at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 1.
Swimming: Cascade scored five points in the Class 4A-3A-2A-1A state swimming championship in Beaverton and finished 15th. The Cougars were led by Jacob Gehley, who took second in the 100 back in 57.38. Stayton qualified one relay team, the 400 free, which finished 11th in 4:13.64. Swimming for the Eagles were senior Bethany Wagar, freshman Dekoda Steiner, senior Aunika Thiessen and freshman Leah Ellerbee.
Cheerleading: The Stayton cheers squad took fifth in the Class 4A traditional competition at the OSAA championships Feb. 9-10 at Oregon City. Stayton scored 87.40 points, trailing only Newport (107.10), Sweet Home (102.20), Philomath (96.80) and North Bend (93.80). Cascade finished sixth with 82.90.
Umpires: The Oregon Athletic Officials Association and the Oregon School Activities Association are recruiting officials for the high school spring sports seasons. There is an immediate need for umpires in baseball and softball.
Becoming a high school official has several benefits including staying involved in athletics, maintaining good physical condition and earning money, according to OAOA Executive Director Jack Folliard.
“Oregon has an urgent need for officials in all sports,” Folliard said. “Officials provide valuable service to high schools and students, make a positive impact in the community and build relationships.”
Those interested should visit www.newofficials.org.
