Cougar grapplers send 10 to state
From our weekly issue dated February 18, 2009
Jon Anderson (125 pounds) executing a switch on Mazama’s Brice Hatley in the finals. (Photo by Ward Winter)
Jay Miller, Illinois Valley High School’s head wrestling coach, was up against all odds at the North Valley Invite held in Merlin on Saturday, Feb. 14.
The Cougars again were shorthanded. But Miller had his fourth-ranked team ready to make a statement regardless of circumstances. With only half his grapplers available, Miller’s Cougars still placed eighth with 88 points. Henley was first, garnering 209.5 points; and Phoenix third with 190.
With two of the Cougars’ most consistent wrestlers taking championships, IVHS held its own with a good class of competitors. Jon Anderson, (125) and Lance Tausaga (215) both took first places. Anderson beat Mazama’s Brice Hatley, and Tausaga won by decision over Jeff Cox, also of Mazama.
I.V.’s Matt Coultas (135) performed extremely well in his class and took fourth in his second consecutive tournament. Many talented Hornet and Pirate wrestlers participated in the Invite.
Jared Houston (189) tied for fifth in his class. “He is really improving fast, considering this is his first year wrestling,” said grappling fan Ward Winter.
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The Cougars now are gearing up for their goal of a state title. District meets will be held at Hidden Valley on Saturday, Feb. 21.
I.V. will send 10 state-ranked wrestlers: #1 Jesse Orndoff and #4 Chris Culver in the 103-pound class; #11 Anderson (125), #5 Quayde Fisher and #19 Matt Dunn (130), #1 Sam Winter and Mitch Van Tassel (140), #13 senior Tom Parker (152), #7 senior Landy Wells (171) and #1 Tausaga (215).
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