LA GRANDE – “I think that was the loudest I have every heard our gym.”

That statement by La Grande wrestling coach Klel Carson summed up the atmosphere as the annual Muilenburg Tournament finished up two days of action on Saturday, Dec. 9, with 22 teams in attendance.

The Tigers finished behind only Idaho powerhouse Bishop Kelly in the team standings with the Knights downing La Grande by 110 points, 372.5 to 262.6. Elgin, with 80.5 points, grabbed 18th and Union/Cove outpointed Imbler for 21st with the Panthers placing 22nd.

“The finals were amazing,” Carson said. “We beat people all night we were not supposed to beat. It was awesome.”

The Tigers claimed four individual champions starting with sophomore Bragen Anderson taking the title at 106 pounds. Anderson pinned Bishop Kelly’s Holten Crane at the 2 minute, 56 second mark of the final match for the title.

At 132 pounds, senior Mason Wolcott wrestled his way to a championship in one of the most exciting matches of the day. Wolcott outpointed Price Thomas of Glenns Ferry, Idaho, 10-9 to claim the title.

Sophomore Tommy Belding found the going a little easier at 144 pounds. Facing Bishop Kelly’s Manuel Valdez in the championship showdown, Belding took an 8-4 decision.

Senior Ridge Kehr remains perfect for the year at 5-0 after pinning Bishop Kelly’s Seiya Thompson at the 3:59 mark for the title at 175 pounds.

For Elgin, freshman Landyn Fincher is making his mark early in his career, placing third in the 106-pound division and sporting a now 7-1 season record.

Union/Cove’s Sam Platz placed sixth at 165 pounds for the Bobcats’ top showing.

La Grande will take part in the 51st Annual Tri-State 2023 beginning Dec. 15 on the campus of North Idaho College in Lewiston, Idaho.

Elgin is on the home mats as the Huskies host the Elgin Memorial Classic beginning Dec. 15. Imbler and Union/Cove will be in attendance.