Grapplers take North Mason tourney

A very long bus trip was well worth the ride for the Oak Harbor High School wrestlers, who captured the 11-team North Mason tournament title on Thursday.

“It was a very solid performance from our whole team,” head coach Brian Farmer said.

The Wildcats’ 224.5 team points finished well ahead of the nearest finisher Shelton (145.5).

OHHS senior Karlson Miller made quick work of his opponents on Thursday, gathering three first-round pins en route to his 112 pound title. Miller, who was given the outstanding wrestler award for his overall performance, pinned Casey Chamberlin of Shelton 1:08 into the first round of the championship match.

Junior Jeff Lang defeated Kenny Baker of Fife in a 7-4 decision to take the 135-pound title.

Senior co-captain Chris Wichers continued his quest toward a school record for pins, picking up three more on the way to his title at 140 pounds. Wichers gathered his third and final with just 13 seconds left in the championship match with Brian Cortines.

“He’s on a pinning spree right now,” Farmer said.

Junior Sean O’Brien won the other individual title for the Wildcats at 171 pounds, pinning Nathan Murphy 1:02 into the first round.

The Wildcats also got two second-place finishes from Jeremy Soptich (160) and David Smith (215), while Rob Lemme (119), David Wasickanin (125), Josh Stratton (130) and Miles Hartt (145) all finished in third place.

Other points scorers included Mark Radach (189), Joseph Vigil (275) and Jefferson Miller (152).

Oak Harbor returns to dual meet competition against league opponent Monroe tomorrow, Jan. 6 in the OHHS gym. The Wildcats are 0-2 in the WesCo North and 1-3 overall, while the Bearcats are 0-3, 0-5.

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