“Wait, what’s a Ridgerunner?”
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@Oklahoman.com
While my wrestling knowledge was more limited than I would have liked, I had an inkling about Grove’s greatness.
No, I’m not even going to come close to saying I thought Grove was going to win, but the Ridgerunners were very impressive at the 4A state duals. I saw when they defeated El Reno. When R.J. Bartley won the heavyweight bout, that team exploded as one, much like Midwest City did on Saturday night.
Off topic, how crazy was that scene? Who did the flip for the Bombers? I couldn’t see from my vantage point. I know they got in trouble about it from PA announcer Don Blasingame about respecting fellow competitors. The Bombers weren’t discrediting the 2A final that was still going on. I mean, MWC just won by a half point. How can you not celebrate?
Anyway, back to 3A. What to say about John Ward, coach of Grove? He doesn’t look or act like he belongs on the mats. But man, he made it work.
And how impressive was freshman Damien Hopper? You know, he may have been the most articulate and composed freshman I’ve ever talked to.
Here he was just minutes after becoming only the second state champion ever from Grove, he was acting all calm. I tell you, it was that calmness and consistency that led Grove to the improbable victory.
Cushing had been the team to beat all season and rightfully so. But under the bright lights, strange things can and normally do happen.
Of course, that’s not to take away from Jarrod Patterson. He cruises to the major decision and his third championship. Again, personal opinion, Patterson was MVP of 3A.
With that said, very excited about Tuttle. Matt Surber definitely deserved coach of the year and with most of his nucleus coming back, Tuttle in 2009??
How tight is that bond between Kingfisher, Clinton and Tuttle? Gridiron rivals became mat pals. Jakob Gaither, Elliott Hellwege, Cameron Gladd, Cole Gracey and Bobby Williams, they were all over the place cheering for one another. Great to see that bond.
My favorite thing about wrestling: the unreal echo of thousands of fans yelling “two” for a takedown or anything even close to resembling a takedown. I love it, that’s an infectious spirit that you can’t help but gravitate to.
Yeah, sometimes they’re wayyy off, but saying two is a little thing, but I think a great thing. So continue to chant on wrestling fans.
That closes out a wacky and wonderful weekend of wrestling. Be sure to check out Blake Jackson’s videos from the state tournament and look forward to Matt Patterson’s superb postseason honors.
I’ve been swimming with Samantha Woodward and down on the mats with Ladd Rupp on back-to-back weekends. It’s only logical that it’s time for me to hit the hardwood. So James Watson, Xavier Henry, Daniel Orton, Keiton Page, Rotnei Clarke, etc., look out, I’m coming.
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