Wildcats claim third in district debut
Oak Ridge’s Nichloas Englehardt (113) earned wins by fall over Central and Knoxville West at last Thursday’s dual meet at Halls High School. (photo:ORHS Sports Media )
Although the Wildcats missed a trip to Wednesday’s regional event at Hardin Valley Academy, Coach Bam Thomas had plenty to celebrate after his team went 3-1 in the district duals and finished third overall.
Oak Ridge opened Thursday night’s action at Knoxville Halls High School with a 45-35 victory over Knox Central, then closed the evening with another win over the Bobcats, 45-33, in the third-place match.
In the first bout against Central, 106-pounder Cole Callaghan picked up a win by forfeit. Nick Engelhardt (113), Robert Rankin (138), Landon Thurlow (150) and Gabe Naudin (190) all won by fall.
Sebastian Acevedo (126), Matthew Azel (165) and Jose Marin Shipp (215) also collected forfeit victories.
“That was a big win for us,” Thomas said. “We just missed qualifying for the region duals, and I couldn’t be happier. We’ll have some more duals, and then we’ll concentrate on the individual region tournament.”
Oak Ridge fell 59-24 to second-seeded Knoxville West in the semifinals, but Thomas said the match was more competitive than the final score indicated.
“If we could’ve just gotten a couple more breaks, we might’ve been able to win that match and make it to the region,” he said. “I was really proud of how our guys battled and competed.”
Against the Rebels, Callaghan and Acevedo again won by forfeit, while Engelhardt and Oliver Tinker (157) each earned a fall.
The Wildcats rebounded in the consolation bracket with a 48-23 win over Bearden. Before Oak Ridge established its team, many of its wrestlers had competed in a co-op with the Bulldogs.
“That was a great match and a big win,” Thomas said. “Our guys all know each other, and you saw them laughing and joking around. Coach (Daniel) Harvey has been great. He’s always supported us, no matter what we might need.”
For Harvey, the match was bittersweet.
“It’s been a tough year for us,” he said. “Over half my team from last year is over there. We knew it was going to be a rebuilding year, and then we had injuries.
“We only had seven guys tonight, but I’m happy for them. They’re having success and loving the sport.”
Against Bearden, Callaghan, Engelhardt, Thurlow, Darwin Alemendavez (175), Nathan Robinson and Tinker all won by forfeit. Naudin and Marin Shipp recorded pins.
In the final rematch against Central, Oak Ridge notched another 45-33 win. Callaghan, Acevedo and Marin Shipp won by forfeit, while Engelhardt, Rankin, Thurlow, Azel and Naudin all won by fall.
The Rumble
in the Ridge
Oak Ridge High School is making noise in its inaugural wrestling season, and the Wildcats are set to showcase their progress with a home event Thursday, Jan. 29.
Oak Ridge will host The Rumble in the Ridge at Wildcat Arena.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and wrestling begins at 6.
The evening will feature a meet-and-greet with the Wildcat wrestlers, along with Thomas and his staff.
