Home Sports Local Sports Baker has new mat coach

Baker has new mat coach

Written by Gerry Steele December 06, 2009 10:27 am

First-year Baker wrestling coach Brandon Young is hoping increased numbers means increased success.

“We can field a full lineup,” Young said. “That alone will make us competitive.

The Bulldogs have 27 grapplers on the mats so far.

“The big thing I’m focusing on is for the kids to keep their grades up,” Young said. “Two days a week we’re in the library doing our homework.

“Our toughest opponent will be ourselves. But, if we can keep everybody eligible we’ll be competitive in the Greater Oregon League. We think we’re tough all the way through.”

Returning wrestlers are Zach Valentine (112 pounds), Parker Warner (130), Miguel Kitch (130), Holden Grove (145), Andrew Porter (135), Matt Seal (140), Sam Pearson (140), Lane Zacharias (160), Sam Galvin (145), Anthony Constantine (152), Brandon Zunino (152), Carson Caldwell (189), Bryce Waldron (189), Kiefer Mespelt (189) and Jake Shukle (215).

Newcomers are Josh Valentine (103), Noah Fulfer (103), Travis Darnell (103), Travis Whiting (112), Tyler Hertel (140), Colton Eubanks (145), Drew Stanley (145), Phil Oglesbee (152), Wyatt Duncan (160), Henry Shaw (160), Loren Campbell (171) and Devon Baldwin (285).

“Another of our goals is to try to draw the community back to wrestling,” Young said.

To that end, the Bulldogs will again wrstle under the “mat light” from years ago.

“Wayne Paxton knew where the light was stored and he took it to Ross Bond,” Young said. “Bond will get it wired in over center court in the gym and we’ll use it and add music for our home matches. That should add to the atmospher at the matches.”

Coach is former BHS wrestler

Young is a 1999 BHS graduate and wrestled for the Bulldogs. He later wrestled two seasons at Southern Oregon University.

Young coached from 2003 through 2008 at Powder Valley, including three years as a co-op with Union High School. He also built the Powder Valley May Club during that time.

“Now that we have a co-op between Baker and Powder those kids are wrestling for me here,” Young said.

Young, who works for the U.S. Forest Serice in La Grande, was an assistant coach for Dee Gorrell last year.

Intersquad starts home season

Baker mat fans will have an opportunity to see the Bulldogs in action Dec. 10 when Team Seal (led by Matt Seal) challenges Team Warner (led by Parker Warner). Shukle also will be a team captain.

Between 10 to 15 matches will be held beginning at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $5 at the door or from any Baker wrestler. Proceeds will be used for gear and team travel expenses.