Sophomore Cameron Princena (left) escapes from Imbler's Forest Farris the last round. Hector del Castillo/Chieftain

Wallowa High School’s wrestlers used to talk about the potential of their young, deep roster within the higher weight classes. Now, they boast about a successful group.

In heavyweights (275 pounds and up), a pair of sophomores – Joe Reynolds and Cameron Princena – advanced to the semifinals at the Jo-Hi Invitational in Joseph. Both won their first two matches Jan. 4. In the consolations the next day, Princena pinned Reynolds for fifth place.

“It was awesome,” coach Mel Byers said. “To have two heavyweights, and they both won … our big boys are pulling through.”

Junior Colby Byers won first place in the 112-pound weight class, becoming the only Wallowa County wrestler to earn a championship, while heavyweights also contributed to the Cougars’ strong presence at the tournament. Senior Zach Lathrop (another of the “big boys” at 215) also went to the semis before wrestling in the consolation final and finishing in fourth place.

To earn a spot in the semis, Princena finally defeated Imbler High School’s Forest Farris after more than a year of frustration. Their match remained close in the final period. Farris held an 11-8 lead until Princena reeled off nine straight points. Contending with Farris’s strength, Princena used leverage to win an advantage. Tied 11-11 with 40 seconds left, he executed a takedown and added a near fall to decide the match.

“That was the first time I’ve beaten (Farris),” Princena said. “I think we’ve wrestled 10 times, but I was always thinking, ‘He going to beat me.’ He always pinned me in the second round. This time, I didn’t want him to beat me.”

Meanwhile, Reynolds made a pair of pinfalls to climb up to the semis. He finished off Will Cannon of Joseph in less than a minute, and came back later in the day to pin Brent Teeter of Imbler High School in the second period.

The Cougars will have the next week off before going to Crane Jan. 19.