Seven Mules medal in Oregon wrestling tourney

This past week the Mules competed in two events at the coast. On Thursday the Mules traveled to Astoria to take part in two duals, and then on Saturday they went to Warrenton for an eight team tournament.

The Mule wrestlers split their duals versus Astoria and Ilwaco. The Mules lost to Ilwaco 36-60 but defeated Astoria 37-36 with a tie-breaker.

“Jeff Vik and Kyle Bergquist really led the way for us,” said Mule coach John Hannah. “They both started strong in their matches and showed some great technique.”

Hannah also praised the effort of Levi Cothren, who won a tough match early in the duals.

On Saturday the Mules returned to the coast to take part in the annual Warrenton Wrestling Tournament. The Mules finished seventh overall, but were still able to place seven of their nine wrestlers.

“Ben Miles was great all day,” Hannah said. “He made it to the finals and came up against a strong wrestler from Knappa. He was down early but never gave up and actually was only a point down with a minute or so left before he was pinned.”

Vik and Blayne Edwards were also finalists for the Mules.

Other placers were Cothren (4th), Arial Snodgrass (3rd), Mitchell Vik (4th), and Bergquist (3rd).

This Saturday is the annual Down River Challenge. The Mules will host 14 other schools in a tournament that features 16-man brackets. This will be the biggest tournament for the Mules so far this season.