A shorthanded Philomath High varsity wrestling team participated in the Northwest Duals Friday and Saturday at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany, a tournament that attracted 40 schools from Oregon and Washington.
The Warriors ended the tournament with a 2-6 record in eight duals — 0-4 in pool competitions and 2-2 in the fifth-place bracket. Philomath had to give up anywhere from 18 to 36 points on forfeits.
Competing in the Doug Bashor Pool, the Warriors lost to South Salem (38-32), Canby (74-0), Dallas (56-14) and Kentwood, Washington (43-23). On the second day in the fifth-place bracket, victories came over South Albany (38-30) and Cleveland (35-24) and the two losses were to Central (35-34) and Kentlake, Washington (39-30).
Among the eight wrestlers that were on the mat for the Warriors, they combined for a 25-25 record in their bouts. Junior Porter Compton had the top performance by winning six of his seven 150-pound matches — four on technical falls, one by pin and one on a 6-3 decision against a Dallas opponent.
Junior Lake Mulberry won five of his seven matches, including a 5-1 record in matches at 215 pounds (he lost a match at heavyweight). Mulberry’s most exciting victory came against South Albany on an 8-7 decision.
Sophomore Odin Compton at 132 had a winning record for the tournament at 4-3 with three of the four wins coming on pins. He defeated a Cleveland opponent on a 14-11 decision.
Also winning matches at the tournament for PHS were Lukas Hernandez (138), Wyatt Barrett (144), Liam Bennett (165), Derick Kohn (285 and 215) and Ryder Zitlau (157).
The Warriors without a few of its top wrestlers — illness and family vacations among the reasons.
Philomath is scheduled to host the Benton County Championships on Jan. 9.
