Central Oregonian

Cowboy wrestlers look strong

Although it’s still early, the Cowboys have a chance to make history

It’s a little early to make predictions.

However, it looks like the Crook County High School wrestling team is going to be very good this year.

The team finished third at state a year ago and appears to be even stronger this year.

The Cowboys return 10 wrestlers who competed at the state tournament last year, including state runner-up Bryson Martin. McKennan Buckner, who won state his sophomore year, returns from an injury in time for his senior season. In addition, the team returns a number of wrestlers who just missed going to the state meet a year ago.

However, it isn’t just the returning athletes that make this year’s team so interesting. Eleven freshmen were in wrestle-offs for varsity positions during the team’s Blue and Gold scrimmage last Saturday. Not only that, several other freshmen have the opportunity to compete for the Cowboys at the district meet.

When talking to this year’s seniors, it becomes quickly apparent that the team has big goals. Universally, the seniors are expecting to win the team championship at the state tournament.

Although that might be a lot of pressure to put on a team so early in the season, don’t bet against the Cowboys.

Not only does the team have a lot of experience from their older wrestlers, head coach Jake Huffman is quick to point out that despite their youth, many of the freshmen wrestlers also have a lot of tournament experience.

The Cowboys are expected to win a trophy at this year’s state tournament, and it wouldn’t be much of a leap to see the team make history and win the team championship.

One of the things that should help make the team especially strong this year is the its overall depth. The Cowboys have at least two strong wrestlers at each of the 14 weight classes, and competition has been fierce at practice.

The team opens the season on Friday, Dec. 2, with an exciting three-way meet at Sweet Home. The Huskies edged the Cowboys for second place at last year’s state tournament. In addition, last year’s champions, the Henley Hornets, will also be at the meet.

By the end of the evening everyone should have a lot better idea just how good the Cowboys can be.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to winning a state championship is what a tough league the Cowboys are in. Crook County wrestles in Special District 2, an eight-team district. Last year four of the eight teams placed in the top eight at the state tournament. Ontario, which finished fifth could be especially strong this year.

It is dangerous to make predictions so early in the year. However, if the Cowboys can survive the district meet it is my belief that they will be the favorites to win the state championship.

Especially exciting for wrestling fans this year is that the Cowboys have a lot more local matches on their schedule.

The team has nine matches on their schedule that will take place in Central Oregon.

The team will wrestle in Bend on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Dec. 15-17, then have four home meets scheduled for J