Ethan Hayes defended his title.

One season after the eight-year-old wrestler (and a third-grader at Enterprise Elementary School) bested his weight class at a tournament in Newburg with about 500 youngsters from around the state, he returned Feb. 6 to win seven matches and repeat as the champion.

Another 23 contenders were vying for a title in the 60-pound weight class. Hayes pinned his first opponent in 30 seconds. A loss in Hayes’ next match put aspirations in jeopardy, but he won the next six in a row. In the final – a rematch with his second opponent – Hayes scored an 8-3 decision.

“I’m a two-time state champ,” Hayes said, as he thanked several coaches, including Jason Vaugn and the Salem Elite Mat Club. He practiced with the club for three days before the tournament. He also thanked friends around Wallowa County for their encouragement.

Now, the Hayes family is preparing fundraisers to support a trip an April tournament in Reno.