Pioneers wrestling hoist Tod Surmon Tournament trophy
Sandy wrestling celebrated its first tournament win of the season last month thanks to the heroic efforts of every wrestler on the roster who scrapped and fought for every possible bonus point to claim a spot atop the podium despite not having an individual champion.
The Pioneers won the 15-school Tod Surmon/Mid-Valley Classic wrestling tournament Friday, Jan. 28, at South Albany High with 144.5 points to edge out Philomath High's 140. Mountainside placed third with 133 points. Sandy junior varsity finished second.
"This was a team effort," said Coach Bryce Reisnaur. "We knew if we wrestled as an entire team, we had an opportunity to win it."
Reisnaur admitted its uncommon to hoist a tourney trophy without individual champs, but said it shows how hard each person on the roster worked.
"We had numerous times where our guys were getting those extra half points, everyone was hungry for a team win," he said.
That mindset is bolstering a program that has publicly stated this season the goal is winning the Mt. Hood Conference district tournament, which the Pioneers host Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-19.
"Winning that tournament is validation for the work this team is putting in," Reisnaur said. "I am happy with where this team is at, and we will keep working for that district title."
Sandy will have one last chance for a tune-up before districts. They host Barlow Thursday evening, Feb. 10, for a Senior Night dual meet.
TEAM SCORES
Sandy 144.5, Philomath 140, Mountainside 133, South Albany 128.5, Ridgeview 118.5, Southridge 115.5, Central 95, Junction City 80.5, West Albany 57, Sisters 54, Sheldon 52, North Eugene 45, Corvallis 37, Churchill 13.
TOP INDIVIDUALS
(First place and Sandy placers in top 6)
106 pounds
First place: Brody Lybarger of Mountainside
113 pounds
First: Case Merritt of Central
120 pounds
First: Benjamin Hernandez of Philomath
Second: Kayden Keller of Sandy
Fifth: Nicholas Yarnell of Sandy
126 pounds
First: Blake Niemann of Philomath
Second: Gage Culp of Sandy
132 pounds
First: Jarron Huebner of West Albany
Second: Mason Culp of Sandy
138 pounds
First: Andy Melz of Southridge
Third: Caleb Hawkes of Sandy
145 pounds
First: Brayden Newport of South Albany
152 pounds
First: Ethan Dunigan of Central
160 pounds
First: Carson Henderson of Junction City
170 pounds
First: Emmett Henderson of Junction City
Fifth: Uriah Subia of Sandy
182 pounds
First: Joseph Pearson of Central
Third: Mikey Platz of Sandy
195 pounds
First: Michael Madden of Mountainside
220 pounds
First: Joseph Martin of Ridgeview
Third: Gabe Tammad of Sandy
285 pounds
First: Nomani Liu of Southridge
Second: Nate Shea of Sandy
Third: Gabe Rhue of Sandy
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