The Northeast Oregon Wrestling Club (NEOWC) from Wallowa County took 23 kids to compete in the Pendleton wrestling tournament on Saturday, Nov. 12. There were a total of 370 kids between the ages of 5 and 15 who wrestled and the NEOWC wrestlers’ combined record for the day was 37 wins and 29 losses, including three first place winners.

Tegan Evans, Joel Van Doozer and Blade Suto each finished atop their weight classes. Seven NEOWC wrestlers who took home second place honors were Willie Gibbs, Chase Homan, Lute Ramsden, Dylan Jennings, Zac Knapp, Trace Evans and Belle Blair. Seven also brought home third place honors with Steven Beckman, Zeb Ramsden, Dawson Gaertner, Evan Johnson, Ethan Hayes, Joah Van Doozer and Tommy Papineau performing the feat. Five fourth place finishers were Cole Farwell, Whitman Blair, Gus Ramsden, Trey Wandschneider and Brett Greenshields. Lars Skovlin finished the tournament in fifth place.

The NEOWC next competes in the La Grande tournament, Saturday, Nov. 19. The tournament will take place at La Grande High School beginning at 9 a.m.

The day after the Pendleton tournament, several of the wrestlers and families headed to the hills and cut 12 cords of wood to sell as a fundraiser to help the club pay expenses to compete in several tournaments this season.

To purchase firewood or to contribute to the wrestling club, call Troy Farwell at 541-263-1555.