Local wrestlers clinch spots in state championship tournament

MEDFORD — The Roseburg wrestling team defended its Southwest Conference title with a dominating team victory at the district meet at Oakdale Middle School on Saturday.

The Indians had 14 wrestlers qualify for the Class 6A state meet and four individual conference champions. They compiled 447.5 points to beat out second place Grants Pass by 69.5 points.

Individual champions for Roseburg were Drew Dawson at 113 pounds, Carter Dawson at 120, Roman Leaton at 132 and Izak Hutchins at 144.

A number of local wrestlers have also punched their tickets to the girls wrestling state championships.

Douglas senior Siala Polamalu claimed an individual title at the District 2 Regional tournament in Cottage Grove on Saturday and secured her berth in the state competition.

Sutherlin had five wrestlers qualify for state at the same tourney. Emilja Singleton at 100 pounds, Arianna Flores at 125, Keeley Guthrie at 135, Hailey Holgate at 145 and Lillian Anderson at 235. Also advancing to state were sophomore Tigerlilly Whitebird and senior Aurianna VanHouten of Oakland.

The boys and girls state wrestling tournaments will be held Feb. 27-March 1 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland.