Sweet Home did not have any All-American wrestlers this year after the Junior and Cadet national championships held July 17-23 in Fargo, N.D.
“This is the biggest tournament in the United States and getting bigger,” Coach Steve Thorpe said.
“I’ve never taken this many kids – six boys and two girls. This wasn’t anything that thyd just decided to go to, and went. They all had to qualify.”
On the Oregon national team from Sweet Home were Juniors Kobe Olson and Jake Porter; Cadets Nich James, Travis Thorpe, Ricky Yunke and Robbie Yunke; Junior Gracie Olson and Cadet Marissa Kurtz.
Thorpe said all but Olson, who is the least experienced of the group, won matches.
“To go into that touranment and win multiple matches is an accomplishment. Gracie didn’t win, but she had two incredibly tough draws, against All-Americans.
“This is the best the U.S. has to offer.”