>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

RUN-AWAY TUCK: La Grande wrestler John Tuck followed up his state championship with a world championship in Reno, Nev., Saturday. - Observer file photo

It’s a common phrase in the world of sports that most people try to leave out of the high school sports world.

But let’s run with it anyway.

After John Tuck delivered a championship performance at the Oregon High School State Wrestling tournament, the junior returned to Reno for an encore.

Tuck traveled to the Cliff Keno World Wrestling Championships.

The 160-pound Tuck made his fourth trip to Reno. He didn’t place in his first two attempts. Last year he finished fourth.

He wasn’t alone.

Wrestlers came out in droves — 3,800 from 38 states across the United States.

Tuck had the company of eight La Grande wrestlers.

“It’s a great event for the kids to go to,” Tigers head coach Klel Carson said. “After coming here, wrestling in the Greater Oregon League or at the Class 4A level doesn’t seem so tough.”

Following the winter season a few La Grande wrestling team members continued to train. Spending two days a week back on the mats, and receiving instruction from a variety of teachers.

For Tuck it was a role model that made the biggest difference — Brook Jorgenson from Oregon State.

“He came down and worked with us a week ago,” Tuck said. “I learned a lot from him. He really pushed us. That really paid off this past week.”

Even with the work, Tuck had no expectations.

“I really wasn’t hoping for too much,” Tuck said. “Moving up an age division left me not knowing what to expect.”

Wrestling at 160-pounds, Tuck met Joseph Ducharme, from Santa Rosa, Calif., in the first round.

Ducharme provided a great test.

Tuck won the match 10-6.

“I wasn’t sure I was ready to wrestle six-minute matches,” Tuck said. “I wanted it pretty bad, though.”

The La Grande wrestler didn’t expend too much energy in the next four matches.

Tuck won his next two matches by pin — one against Gian Peitrio from Florida.

“These kids are coming here thinking they’re going to win,” Carson said. “You don’t come from Florida to lose. All the kids here are great wrestlers. That’s what makes this event so special.”

Tuck’s semifinal match ended in a 10-2 decision.

Then a pin in the championship against T.J. Belton from California.

Belton, a junior, placed fourth at the California state championships in 2008.

“It’s pretty amazing,” Tuck said. “When I finally saw I was seeded second, I thought I might make the finals. But this was a lot more than what I anticipated.”

Teammate Andy Godfrey also found success in the 160-pound weight class.

Godfrey took sixth place, going 4-3 in the tournament.

“Placing anywhere in this tournament is a big deal,” Carson said. “It’s nothing to take lightly. You have to wrestle well to take home a medal.”

State champion Dyllan McCallum went 3-3 in Reno, wrestling at 115-pounds.

Also at 15-and-under, Matt Nicholson went 4-2.

Andrew Humphries finished an even 2-2.

Jacob Waibel, Anthony Dickenson and Tucker Wallace each finished the tournament 1-2.

At the 18-and-under division, Andy Hardenbrook went 1-2.

“It a tremendous opportunity for all these kids,” Carson said. “Not only is it a fun trip, but they face very talented wrestlers. Most of them will use this to improve for next season’s high school schedule.”