Short-handed Tigers struggle against Mac-Hi

MILTON-FREEWATWER — The La Grande wrestling team has seen better days. The Tigers lost 54-15 Tuesday night to McLoughlin in a dual meet.

La Grande had four wrestlers out due to disciplinary reasons. Due to these absences, head coach Klel Carson had to shuffle around multiple wrestlers to weight classes they were not accustomed to.

Dylan McCallum got things started for LHS, pinning Travis Hodgen with just 2:32 left in the first round.

After that, it wasn’t pretty for La Grande.

“We competed well tonight,” Carson said. “We were dealt a hand, and we had to play the hand we were dealt tonight. I’m still proud with how the kids competed.”

Jordan DeViney lost by pin fall 5:42 into the first round at 135 pounds. Robert Stockhoff was edged out 3-2 at 140 pounds for the Tigers.

Matt Nicholson, who has been a consistent force for

La Grande this season, lost 9-6 in the 145-pound weight class.

In the 160-pound weight class, Justin Hug lost a 12-7 decision.

“We have some kids that are still working really hard and competing. Everyday we are improving as a team,“ Carson said.

Brandon Thompson was pinned 1:34 into the first round at 171 pounds, and Nolan O’Reilly lost via pin fall at 215 pounds.

Walker Hudkins, the star heavyweight on the Tigers roster, lost in a 5-3 decision.

“Walker had a fun match,” Carson said. “He competed hard. I think by the end of the season he will be able to beat that kid.”

La Grande will take the rest of the week off before heading to the Weiser Tournament.