Youth Wrestling: Sandites crown three champions at Catoosa tournament

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The Sand Springs Team Big youth wrestling program crowned five finalists and three champions at this weekend's Oklahoma USA tournament in Catoosa. 

Grady Mittasch (10-4 FS, 6-6 GR) won the 78-pound bracket in both styles at Novice. In freestyle he pinned his first opponent in 47 seconds before winning a pair of two-point decisions over Benjamin Smith and Ryder Seago. In Greco he won a 44-second pin and scored a 10-0 technical fall against Keith Sanders.

Abraham Flores (3-0 FS, 4-0 GR) took first place in schoolboy in both styles at 119 pounds. He defeated Ayden Little 6-2 and teched Ryan Tricket 10-0 in freestyle. He teched Kirby Wilcox 13-2 in freestyle and pinned him in 2:27 in Greco.

Jim Mullin (3-0) won the 110-pound Schoolboy freestyle bracket handily, teching Talon McCollom 24-13 and Colson Marth 10-0.

Cameron White (2-1 FS, 2-1 GR) took second place in schoolboy in both styles at 106 pounds. He pinned Brock Gowens in freestyle and teched him 14-3 in Greco, and teched Caden Pollard in both styles, but fell by pin to Levi Smith in both styles.

Ethan White (13-5 FS, 2-2 GR) placed second in schoolboy freestyle and third in Greco at 136 pounds. He pinned Gatlin Wilson in sixteen seconds in freestyle and teched him 11-0 in Greco, but fell to Caleb Rogers in both styles.

Abraham Flores took first place in schoolboy Greco at 119 pounds in a recent Bixby tournament. He defeated Caden Pollard 10-0 and Ryan Tricket 7-2.

Sand Springs will host its own tournament Saturday, April 14th at Clyde Boyd Middle School.

CPHS Wrestling: Head Coach Kelly Smith resigns for private sector job

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Charles Page High School lost its third Head Coach this school year when wrestling coach Kelly Smith announced his intentions to resign Friday.

Head Volleyball Coach Janna Green left Sand Springs Public Schools for a private sector coaching position after the fall season. Girls' Basketball Head Coach Dustin Morrow stepped down from coaching to spend more time with his family earlier this month, but will remain on staff as a science teacher. Now, Smith is leaving coaching and teaching to work in insurance.

Smith cited unreasonably low State teaching wages as a primary reason for his decision, along with a desire to spend more time with his family. The successful coach has spent years running a lawncare business to compliment his income, but after seventeen years as Head Coach, he has decided it's time to move on. "This is a young man's game," said Smith. "I don't have the time to be out mowing lawns all year while also putting in the hours to maintain a successful program. I have to put my family first."

Smith's family might keep him in the coaching business a little longer, at least on a part-time basis. His son, Mitchell, is a talented up and comer in the junior high circuit. But while he will still be around cheering on the Sandites from the stands, the district will have to find fresh blood to take the reigns. 

Smith led the Sandites to their first-ever Dual State Championship in 2017 and followed it up with their first State Tournament title since 1971. The pair of championships were the first for Sand Springs in any sport since 1994. Nine Sandites won individual titles under his leadership, including five in the 2017 season. Even after losing four of those five, the Sandites placed third in the 6A State Tournament this past season with a 13-4 dual record.

"I got to live the dream," said Smith. "I got to take over for my coach and mentor. It's been a dream."

Sandite of the Week: Carter Young wins State Championship as freshman

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Sand Springs freshman Carter Young was selected as our Sandite of the Week for his 106-pound State Championship win this past weekend at the OSSAA 6A State Tournament.

Young completed a nearly perfect season, losing only one match en route to his first high school State Championship title. He won the Westmoore Open, the Perry Tournament of Champions, the Kansas City Stampede, the Bobby Lyons Invitational, and the 6A-East Regional along the way. He went undefeated in duals and lost only one match, falling 4-2 in overtime to nationally-ranked Ryan Miller in the Geary Invitational finals. He ends the season on a 23-straight win streak with fifteen pins, twelve tech falls, and five major decisions.

At the State Tournament he pinned Jason Gilbert in 2:37, then defeated Keegan Luton 7-1 and West Regional Champion Studd Morris 3-0.

 

CPHS Wrestling: 2017-2018 Season wrap-up

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Freshman Carter Young (40-1) completed a nearly perfect season, losing only one match en route to a 106-pound State Championship title. He won the Westmoore Open, the Perry Tournament of Champions, the Kansas City Stampede, the Bobby Lyons Invitational, and the 6A-East Regional along the way. He went undefeated in duals and lost only one match, falling 4-2 in overtime to nationally-ranked Ryan Miller in the Geary Invitational finals. He ends the season on a 23-straight win streak with fifteen pins, twelve tech falls, and five major decisions.

Junior Riley Weir (29-7, 91-25) became the tenth wrestler in Sandite history to win two State titles, ending the year on a seven-straight win streak with the 113 title. He won the Glenpool Warrior Classic, the Lyons Invitational and the 6A-East Regional, and placed third at Perry and twelfth at Kansas City. He finished the season with seventeen pins, two tech falls, and three major decisions.

Sophomore Chris Kirby (22-10) placed second at Inola, third at Sand Springs, second at Regionals, and fourth at State at 145 pounds. He went 13-4 in duals every single victory came by pin, a team-best.

Junior Kaleb Tabor (26-12) placed twelfth at Kansas City, then came in runner-up at Sand Springs, Regionals, and State at 152 pounds. He went 14-3 in duals and totaled nineteen pins.  

Blake Sargent (16-8, 105-33) concluded his high school career with a 126-pound third place finish at State. He placed third at the Union IceFighter Open, third at Sand Springs, and fifth at Regionals. He finished the season with three pins and two major decisions.

Gage Fain (20-10, 59-48) concluded his high school career with a 220-pound State Tournament appearance. He placed second at Perry, thirteenth at Kansas City, and third at Regionals. He went undefeated 12-0 in duals and recorded thirteen pins.

Junior Irwin Portillo (31-19, 37-24) placed sixth at Perry, 23rd at Kansas City, fifth at Geary, fourth at Sand Springs, and third at Regionals to qualify for State at 132 pounds. He went 13-5 in duals, recording two pins and seven major decisions.

Sophomore Seth Jones (26-16, 28-19) placed fifth at Perry, 24th at Kansas City, second at Sand Springs, and fourth at Regionals to qualify for the State Tournament at 120 pounds. He went 14-2 in duals and recorded fourteen pins, one tech fall, and three major decisions.

Sophomore Brendon Wiseley (13-9) placed fifteenth at Kansas City and went undefeated 8-0 in duals. He recorded four pins, one tech fall, and one major decision.

Junior Scott Patton (27-20, 34-22) placed sixth at Perry, twentieth at Kanas City, fourth at Sand Springs, and fourth at Regionals to qualify for State at 138 pounds. He went 13-5 in duals and recorded nine pins, two techs, and five major decisions.

Riley Magee (5-5) placed fifth at Sand Springs and went 3-3 in duals with four pins and a major decision.

Junior Dayvon Taylor (20-21) placed sixth at Perry, eighteenth at Kansas City, second at Sand Springs, and fifth at Regionals, qualifying for State at 170. He went 11-7 in duals and recorded twelve pins, one tech fall, and two major decisions.

Senior Colby Heckencamp (3-4) finished his career with two pins and a sixth place finish at Sand Springs.

Sophomore Josh Fincannon (13-18) placed sixth at Perry, ninth at Sand Springs, and sixth at Regionals. He went 8-9 in duals with five pins and one major decision.

Colten Roberts (3-6) went 3-4 in duals with one pin and one tech fall.

Jasanee Harjo (3-7) placed fourth at Sand Springs with one pin.

Braden Dahl (1-3) went 1-3 in duals with one pin.

Caleb Phillips (2-7) recorded one pin.

Robert Parrish (3-12) went 3-9 in duals with one pin.

Caden Vaughn (0-1), Jacob Rampy (0-1), and James Anderson (0-2) all saw varsity action.

The Sandites went 13-4 in duals and placed third at the Ram Duals, eighth at Perry, 29th at Kansas City, fourteenth at Geary, second at their home tournament,

CPHS Wrestling: Sandites place third at State Tournament with five placers

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In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, the Charles Page High School wrestling team finished the season with ten State Qualifiers, five placers, three finalists, and two champions for a third place performance in the OSSAA 6A State Tournament.

Of the ten Sandites to qualify for State, only two had previously qualified. Four had zero varsity experience before this season, one is a freshman, and three came from the JV squad.

Typically when you graduate four State finalists, lose a fifth to injury, and have a pair of starters quit the team, you spend a few seasons rebuilding before you’re a legitimate contender again. Instead, Sand Springs made a legitimate run at the title.

106-pound freshman Carter Young (40-1) completed a near-perfect debut season to become the thirtieth State Champion in Sand Springs history. 

SEE RELATED: CPHS Wrestling: Freshman Carter Young wins State Championship

113-pound junior Riley Weir (29-7, 91-25) became the tenth wrestler in Sandite history to win two State titles. 

SEE RELATED: CPHS Wrestling: Riley Weir wins second State Championship

152-pound junior Kaleb Tabor (26-12, 66-19) pinned Landis Scoon in 1:34 and Richie Lee in 3:49 before falling 5-3 to Drake Vannoy in the finals. Vannoy scored takedowns in each of the first two periods for a 4-1 lead to start the third. Tabor got a takedown and cut the Trojan loose, then took him down once again. The only problem was, time had already expired. The clear takedown was clearly half a second too late. Tabor concluded his first season on Sandite varsity as a State Runner-Up.

Senior Blake Sargent (15-8, 104-33) finished his high school career by coming in third at 126 pounds. He fell 12-3 to eventual champion Reece Witcraft in the opening round, but defeated Kyri Beasley, Cameron Picklo, and Cade Manion in consolation. He defeated Picklo 9-6 and went into sudden victory overtime against Beasley and Manion for 2-1 and 7-5 decisions, respectively.  

Sophomore Chris Kirby (22-10) placed fourth at 145, pinning Anthony DesVigne in 3:53 before falling to eventual champion Jaxen Gilmore. In consolation he pinned Hunter Skaggs in 3:26 but fell 11-0 to Micah Lugafet in the finals.  

Junior Irwin Portillo (31-19, 37-24) qualified at 132. He fell 4-2 to Trent Higginbotham, defeated Roarke Simpson 8-6, then fell 3-1 to Blake Gonzalez in sudden victory. 

Junior Scott Patton (27-20, 34-22) qualified at 138 and defeated Brett Pinkston 1-0 before falling 7-2 to Peter Rolle and 2-0 to Parker Wright.

Sophomore Seth Jones (26-16, 28-19) qualified at 120, falling 7-4 to Garrett Johnson and 12-4 to Caron Watson.

Senior Gage Fain (20-10, 59-48) finished his career as a first-time qualifier at 220. He fell 12-4 to Blake Minnick and 2-1 to Jared Galli.

Junior Dayvon Taylor (20-21) qualified at 170 but fell 3-2 to Rene Martinez in the first round wrestle-in. 

Choctaw won their sixth State Tournament Championship after picking up their fifth Dual State title two weeks prior. The Yellowjackets edged out Broken Arrow 138 to 129.5. The Sandites came in third with 78 points, topping Mustang with 69. They will return eight of their ten qualifiers next season. 

2018 6A State Champions

106 - Carter Young (Sand Springs)
113 - Riley Weir (Sand Springs)
120 - Laif Jones (Bartlesville)
126 - Reece Witcraft (Broken Arrow)
132 - Dylan Schickram (Ponca City)
138 - Connor Holman (Choctaw)
145 - Jaxen Gilmore (Yukon)
152 - Drake Vannoy (Jenks)
160 - Jaryn Curry (Choctaw)
170 - Zane Coleman (Choctaw)
182 - J.D. Johnson (Owasso)
195 - Gavin Potter (Broken Arrow)
220 - Zach Marcheselli (Broken Arrow)
285 - Christian Arriola (Putnam City)

2018 OSSAA 6A State Team Scores

138 - Choctaw
129.5 - Broken Arrow
78 - Sand Springs
69 - Mustang
56.5 - Owasso
44 - Jenks
38 - Ponca City
38 - Yukon
34.5 - Edmond North
33 - Putnam City
31 - Bartlesville
27 - Edmond Memorial
23 - Union
20 - Deer Creek
12 - Norman North
12 - Stillwater
11 - Putnam City North
7 - Westmoore
3 - Southmoore
2 - Midwest City
1 - Shawnee
0 - Moore
0 - Norman
(-2) - Muskogee
(-3) - Sapulpa

Sand Springs State Champions

Alonzo Elder (1925)
Tremont Scruggs (1929)
Oscar Baker (1934)
Ralph Parrish (1936, 1940)
David McGuire (1963-1965)
Bill Burcham (1963)
Steve Randall (1965)
Frank Peck (1971-1972)
Rick Warren (1971)
Eddie Sullivan (1971)
John Phillips (1972-1973)
Hall Williams (1974)
Wayne Sutterfield (1974)
Ronnie Luce (1974)
Kevin Newport (1976, 1978)
Brad Bridges (1977)
Craig Sanders (1978-1979)
Billy Boyd (1978)
Jay Fleischman (1988)
Brett Pennington (1991-1992)
Gabe Hodges (1994)
Josh Nicholson (2002)
David Jones (2005)
Znick Ferrell (2008-2009)
Daton Fix (2014-2017)
Riley Weir (2017-2018)
Jack Karstetter (2017)
Beau Bratcher (2017)
Payton Scott (2017)
Carter Young (2018)

CPHS Wrestling: Riley Weir wins second State Championship

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Three members of the Class 6A No. 5 ranked Charles Page High School wrestling team made their way to the OSSAA State Championship finals Saturday evening at Oklahoma City's Jim Norick Arena. Two have now secured State Titles.

106-pound freshman Carter Young (40-1) took on Yukon senior and West Regional Champion Studd Morris (34-7) in the title match and won 3-0.

SEE RELATED: CPHS Wrestling: Freshman Carter Young wins State Championship

Defending State Champion Riley Weir (29-7, 91-25) wrestled Mustang freshman Tucker Owens (41-5) in the 113 Championship finals. Owens topped Weir 2-1 at Dual State, scoring in the final moments after Weir was injured in an escape. Weir repaid that loss with a 4-0 victory in the Regional finals and repeated at the State Tournament.

They went scoreless through the first period then Weir escaped ten seconds into the second. They started the final stretch neutral and Weir got a takedown thirty seconds in. He cut the Bronco with fifteen seconds left and dodged several shots for a 3-1 decision.

The junior joins an elite group of only ten wrestlers in Sand Springs history to win two State titles. The last Sandite to accomplish the feat was Daton Fix in 2015. Last year Weir became the 26th State Champion in Sand Springs wrestling history and was one of five Champions to help the Sandites win their first team title since 1971. 

This season he won the Bobby Lyons Invitational, the Glenpool Warrior Classic, and the 6A-East Regionals. 

Junior Kaleb Tabor (25-11) will wrestle Jenks sophomore Drake Vannoy (36-4) in the 152-pound finals.