Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Screaming Eagles earn 3 state medals
Carson Durbin of Reardan finishes an armbar for nearfall points on Mason Hornby of Rainier during a 195-pound state consolation match.
Vaea LaMoureaxu of Reardan runs a spiral ride on Mayan Riojas of Toppenish during the opening round fo the girls 1B/2B/1A/2A state tournament at 115 pounds. Riojas won, 3-2 after a double overtime.
TACOMA –Reardan High School sophomore Preston Neufeld dominated his opposition to win first place in the 106-pound class at Mat Classic XXXIV Feb. 17-18.
Teammates Connor Kline and Carson Durbin placed third and fifth in their weight classes to help the Screaming Eagles to an eighth-place team finish.
Neufeld entered the state wrestling tournament boasting a 38-2 record in the 106-pound weight class. Neufeld received a first-round bye after placing first in the regional tournament Feb. 11.
In his quarterfinal match, Neufeld pinned Jon Brooks from Columbia (Burbank) in 1:04. In the semifinals, he pinned Creed Wright from Darrington in 5:29.
This win set up a match with Harrison Suzara from Kalama for the state championship. Neufeld worked quickly, pinning Suzara in 1:49 to win the gold medal.
"I entered this competition feeling like I would win," Neufeld said.
"The state title means I'm the best," he said. "But even more important, is it's a reward for all my hard work."
With his victory, Neufeld ended the season with a 41-2 record.
"I am so excited for Preston," Reardan head coach Justin Neufeld said. "He loves the sport and puts in a ton of work. He has big goals and is always striving to accomplish them."
Kline, competing in the 170-pound weight class, won two of three matches to set up a third-place match with Dorien Cano from Ranier. Kline pinned Cano in 4:17 to earn the bronze medal.
Durbin won three out of five matches to place fifth in the 195-pound weight class.
Joey Matusik, Carson Kline, Troy Routh, Vaea LaMoureaux and Tristin Burril also competed but did not place.
"I'm really proud of my teammates," Neufeld said. "I'm disappointed for Vaea and Tristin, but it was cool to see Conner and Durbin on the podium."
Neufeld said his victory sparked a fire to defend his title next year.
"I'll have a target on my back, so will need to continue to improve."
Justin Neufeld thinks his team will benefit from their experience in Tacoma.
"I am super proud of the kids and have to believe most of them will return to state next season."
Tonasket won the team title, scoring 202 points. Reardan scored 78 points to finish eighth out of 45 teams.
Reader Comments(0)