The Philomath High School wrestling team defeated Newport and lost to Sweet Home in a Wednesday Special District 2 Duals meet Wednesday on the Huskies’ home mats.
The Warriors began the evening with a 72-24 victory over the Cubs in a dual that included 10 forfeits. For matches that took place on the mat, Philomath won five of six and outscored Newport, 30-6 (points were awarded in two extra matches at 132 and 138 pounds).
Sophomore Cameron McConnell, freshman Riley Barrett, sophomore Lucas Bourguois, senior Chase Ringwald and junior Gradin Fairbanks all won their matches on pins for the Warriors.
McConnell (132), Barrett (132) and Fairbanks (152) took care of their opponents with first-period victories. Bourguois (138) and Ringwald (138) each pinned their opponents in the second period.
Sweet Home edged Cascade, 38-33, to set up a match against the Warriors. The Huskies, a perennial power in high school wrestling and among the favorites for a state title this year, beat Philomath, 70-9.
Senior Caleb Blackburn and Ringwald had wins for the Warriors. Blackburn outpointed his opponent on a 14-10 decision at 126 and Ringwald pinned his opponent in 1:06 at 138.
The boys are scheduled to wrestle next on Saturday at the Sherwood Invitational.
In other wrestling news, Barrett and freshman Porter Compton competed Jan. 29 in the Oregon Wrestling Association’s Folkstyle State Championships. Barrett (138) and Compton (145) both won state titles in the 16U division.
The Philomath girls also faced Sweet Home in a dual Wednesday and lost by a 66-0 score. Three of the Warriors’ four wrestlers saw action.
The girls will compete on Friday and Saturday at the 4A/3A/2A/1A Region 2 tournament at Cottage Grove.
