Illinois Valley News

Illinois Valley High School wrestling coach Jay Miller expected a challenge when the Cougars hosted Phoenix High School for a Wednesday, Jan. 13 dual meet.

Miller“s predictions proved true, as the IVHS grapplers lost 39-35 against the Pirate squad.

At this point, IVHS is ranked sixth in the state, and Phoenix is ranked third.

“There“s probably a reason for that,“ Miller said. “They just had some tough kids. We had a few opportunities to win the dual, but it didn“t pan out for us.“

Although IVHS traditionally has been able to beat Phoenix, the Cougar squad remains hampered by injuries and low participation. The latter often forces the team to forfeit matches in specific weight divisions.

The Cougars fared much better on the weekend of Saturday, Jan. 16, when they participated in the Eureka Invitational tournament in Northern California.

Six IVHS grapplers placed at the tournament, and the squad came in sixth out of 17 teams.

Sophomore Jesse Orndoff continued his successful streak, and placed second in the 112-pound division. Freshman Gabe Miller placed second among 119-pound competitors.

Third place was won by junior Zach Anderson at 135 pounds, junior Matt Coultas at 145 pounds and senior Brandon Foraker at 189 pounds.

Senior Mitchell Van Tassel placed fifth among 140-pounders, and senior John Anderson also placed.

Miller said that he was down a few wrestlers due to illness.

“That would have made a lot of difference,“ he said. “But with the number we had, we wrestled well.“

The Cougars will host a dual meet against Hidden Valley High School on Thursday, Jan. 28. Miller said that his team should be able to heal from its illnesses and injuries between now and then, and beat the Mustangs.

“Hidden Valley, I don“t think, is near the caliber Phoenix is,“ Miller said. “I anticipate that we will do well against them.“

We want to hear from you!
Add your thoughts with the link below.

Comments returning soon!

Back to top of story