Wrestling team sends 10 to state tournament

Craig Wright
February 22, 2013

The wrestling team wrapped up its season with an impressive showing at the district tournament. Ten members advanced to the state tournament in eight weight classes. Five underclassmen advanced to state, including three freshmen. The team placed third with a score of 246.5 behind David Douglas and Oregon City.

Earning the number one seed in the state tournament is Tyler Chay, senior, competing in the 170 lb. weight class. Chay placed second in state last year and won the district tournament in convincing fashion, ending his quarterfinal match by technical fall in 49 seconds. Also competing in the 170 lb. weight class is Cameron Schmitz, junior. Schmitz placed fifth in the 170 lb. weight class.

Three freshmen will represent the Lions. Ian Snapp, at 113 lbs; finished the tournament in fourth place. Jacob Taylor and Tyler Self both earned a state berth at 152 lbs. Self lost in a hard fought final 3-2 to take second place.

Also winning his weight class was Ethan Staley, junior, who entered the district tournament as the top seed. Staley did not disappoint, as he won in the finals 11-2.

The other senior to advance to state is Adam Roethe in the 160 lb. weight class. Roethe lost his semifinal match but managed to win his third place match by a score of 9-5. Earlier in the tournament, Roethe gritted out a 9-7 overtime win.

Top seeded Tim Harman, sophomore, 138 lb. weight class, lost in an overtime final 2-1 against Vagif Afrasov of David Douglas, who is the top seed at the state tournament.

With one of the quickest matches of the tournament, Ellis Eaton, junior, won his opening round match in 16 seconds by technical fall. Eaton advanced to the semifinals before losing 4-2.

The final member heading to state is Noah Bagley, junior, competing in the 285 lb. weight class. Bagley claimed third in the tournament with a dominant win by technical fall in only 54 seconds.

The state wrestling tournament will be held at Memorial Coliseum on today and tomorrow. Saturday’s events begin at 8am. Tickets will cost eight dollars for students and 10 dollars for adults.

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About the Contributor

Craig Wright, Reporter

Whether running drills on the tennis court or jamming in his basement, Craig Wright, senior, fully commits himself to his passions. Wright has been playing tennis since he was six, when he was shorter than the net. He has been on the Boys Varsity Team all four years of high school and hopes to be captain this year. Wright is just as big of a fanatic about music as he is about tennis; he’s been to too many concerts to have a sure count; his best estimate is 34.

Wright’s interest in tennis was inherited; his dad played tennis in high school and shared his interest with Wright’s mom. His parents introduced he and his brother, Brett, to the sport and they both took to it. Last year Wright and his doubles partner, Jonathan Macemon, Class of 2012, were third in the District Championship and made it to State. In fact Wright’s favorite vacation was going South Carolina, primarily because he and his family were able to play tennis on real green clay courts.

Even though he plays tennis year round,somehow Wright has time for intramural basketball. However, according to Wright, when it comes to intramural “the less effort the better.” Another extracurricular activity that Wright participates in is Symphonic Band; he is a percussionist.

Wright’s interest in music extends beyond percussion; he has been playing guitar since sixth grade and bass guitar since eighth grade. The reason that Wright is so interested in playing instruments is that he is a huge music fan.

“I like a little bit of everything,” Wright said.

Wright’s brother introduced him to a wide variety of music, and they share many favorite bands like The Beatles, The Replacements, My Morning Jacket, Arcade Fire, Gaslight Anthem, The Ramones and The Clash. Wright idolizes many musicians and dreams of meeting them.

“Joe Strummer[The Clash] would be awesome [to meet], but he’s dead,” Wright said, “I’d like to meet Brian Fallon[The Gaslight Anthem]; he’s just a cool dude.”

Wright’s interest in the arts continues into his academic career. His favorite class is AP English, and he thinks he wants to study English or journalism in college.