Tomahawks chop Oak Harbor

After exploding to a quick 3-0 start this season, the Oak Harbor wrestling team’s winning streak came to a sudden halt Thursday night.

The Wildcats dropped their first WesCo North contest of the season, losing 44-30 to Marysville Pilchuck in dual meet competition.

Despite being out-numbered five seniors to none, the Wildcats put up a strong battle against a more veteran squad.

“I was real proud of our kids, I thought they did well,” head coach Brian Farmer said. “They’re (Marysville) a veteran club, they’ve got a lot of tough kids.”

The teams battled back and forth until the Tomahawks overtook the Cats in the last two matches of the evening to pull away.

Trailing 32-25, Oak Harbor got a crucial victory when junior Blake Ward (215) tossed his opponent to the ground resulting in a pin. The pin sent the crowd into a frenzy and moved the Cats to within one point of Marysville, 32-31.

“Blake kept us right in the match,” Farmer said. “With his tenacity he’s been a real excellent wrestler for us this year.”

Unfortunately for Oak Harbor, experience proved to be the determining factor when Marysville senior Matt Oelson pinned Oak Harbor sophomore Nathan Davis 1:10 into the first round of their heavyweight match.

Another significant moment came when junior Ryan Lange (189) sprained his ankle in a match that could have turned the tables for Oak Harbor. Lange showed a lot of heart fighting through the pain but lost a 12-1 decision to Thompson of Marysville. The status of Lange’s ankle is questionable, but he may be out for a while.

“He gave a real solid performance,” Farmer said. “He was in the match until he hurt himself.”

Several other Cats put also put forth strong efforts Thursday night.

Junior Grayson Miller (125) toughed out an overtime decision for a 9-7 victory, while junior Randy Eggen (130), sophomore Chris Wichers (135), and junior Tony Nicolas (140) pinned three Tomahawks in a row. Junior Pat O’brien dominated his opponent receiving a 10-0 decision.

Despite the loss, Farmer is pleased with the team’s performance.

“The mistakes we’re making are correctable,” Farmer said. “Even though we didn’t win, it was a real good test for us.”

Oak Harbor will compete at Lake Washington High School at 10 a.m. today, Dec. 14, in a varsity tournament.

Marysville-Pilchuck 44, Oak Harbor 30

103—Harris (MP) pinned K. Miller, 1:07, 3rd; 112—Hanks (MP) pinned Leme, 1:34 2nd; 119—Hopkins (MP) pinned Crouch, 1:03 3rd; 125—G. Miller (OH) pinned Escalante, 1:25, 3rd; 135—Wichers (OH) pinned Lucey, 139, 2nd; 140—Nicolas (OH) pinned Lowry, 1:23, 2nd; 145—Michel (MP) dec. Clark, 9-0; 152—Orr (MP) pinned Tafflinger, 1:05, 2nd; 160—Delbrouck (MP) pinned Poole, :47 2nd; 171—O’brien (OH) dec. Day, 10-0; 189—Thompson (MP) dec. Lang, 12-1; 215—Ward (OH) pinned Alexander, 1:33, 3rd; 275—Olesen (MP) pinned Davis, 1:10, 1st.

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