After taking All-American honors earlier in the Cadet Greco Nationals at Fargo, N.D., Colton Schilling and Tyler Cowger of Sweet Home each came up a match short in the freestyle nationals last week, missing the top eight.
Coach Steve Thorpe said Schilling, a 119-pounder, got hurt in his second match when he threw his opponent, landing on his head.
“If he could have had a day or a few hours to feel better, that would have made a difference,” Thorpe said. “He wrestled injured in freestyle and he was a match away from placing.”
Cowger, a 140-pounder, has spent the year recovering from double knee surgery that he underwent at the end of his freshman year.
“It was incredible that he placed fourth in Greco and he was only one match away from placing in freestyle,” Thorpe said. “His strength has improved. His cardio has improved.
“He is becoming a better and better wrestler all the time.”
Trever Olson wrestled in the junior tournament and moved up to 145 pounds to make way for other Oregon freestyle wrestlers. Olson lost both his matches, the second to an eventual All-American, to
“He has dedicated himself,” Thorpe said. “I hope he gets what he deserves next winter.”