Fourteen schools gathered to compete at the annual Jo-Hi Cosgrove-Eschler tournament held at Joseph High School on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 6-7.

According to Joseph wrestling coach Tim Kiesecker, the tournament was a huge success. “I heard nothing but good from parents, coaches, referees, and everyone involved with the tournament,” Kiesecker said.

In team rankings, Enterprise placed third and earned 121.5 points, followed by Joseph, eighth with 51 points, and Wallowa, fourteenth place with 23 points.

Enterprise had five team members who placed in the top three in their weight classes. They include senior Brock Hayes (152), second place; freshman Daniel Kohlhepp (285), second; junior Austin Reimer at 126 pounds, third; sophomore Kyle Roepke (132), third; and senior Erich Roepke (195), third. Others who placed include freshman Harrison Reimer (126), fourth; sophomore Tristan Morehouse (220), fourth; junior John Green (160), sixth; and senior Michael Baty (185), sixth.

Though his team placed third overall, Coach Chuck Corak could see the effects of the Christmas break in the performance of his wrestlers.

“I thought we could have wrestled better,” Corak said. “There were a few cobwebs.”

In addition, he had three team members who were unable to compete due to injury prior to the tournament, and another two wrestlers who were ill.

Enterprise plans to go to the Oregon Wrestling Classic held Jan. 13-15 in Redmond.

Joseph also had a few kids place in their weight classes. Sophomore Matt Staigle (182) won enough matches to earn second in his division. Senior Ty Warnock (195) earned fourth place, and senior Trevor McWaters (170) earned fifth place.

Kiesecker says he sees improvement every weekend from his wrestlers, and was excited about taking a full roster of competitors to the Orofino tournament held Jan. 13-14.

One Wallowa wrestler, Patrick Rummel (120), earned third place in his weight class and Luise Mendez (106) placed fourth in his.

Though they placed last as team, Wallowa wrestling coach Mel Byers was still proud of his wrestlers when faced with this level of competition.

“They’re starting to compete,” Byers said. “They’re knocking at the door, but haven’t broken it down yet. They’re getting tougher.”

In addition to all the wrestling, two pieces of artwork, one from Dan Moncrief and another from Troy Kiesecker, were auctioned off to raise money for the expenses of the Joseph wrestling club.

Overall, the tournament was a great success and Kiesecker was grateful for all the volunteers, coaches, and other individuals who donated time, talent, and other items to make the tournament possible. “I really appreciate it,” said Kiesecker.