The Bulldogs first competition was a tri against the defending section 6A champions WCA Knights and Pelican Rapids Vikings. OC wrestled tough against WCA with a young squad but fell short 69-6 with Mason Christanson getting a pin at 145. They turned around and wrestled Pelican Rapids closer but also fell short 45-27. With a couple key wins from Mason Christanson and Levi Evavold midway through the match, Pelicans next few weights pushed them towards the win. Kale Rich capped off the dual with a quick 14 second pin.

Friday OTC went up to the Defender Invitational in Melrose for the first time in team history. This tournament had a Boys and Girls varsity as well as a JV portion. The Bulldogs had a few placers in this tournament including Kayetana Lopez-Moen, Kale Rich, and Levi Evavold. “Kayetana was our first girl to make a finals appearance in team history,” reported Naddy. “She took second place alongside our senior captain Kale Rich. Kale had a great tournament by pinning his way to the finals. He lost his 1st place match 3-1 in the final seconds of the match. Levi Evavold battled his way back through the losers’ side of the bracket to put himself into the 3rd place match. He upset an opponent he lost to earlier in the tournament to claim third place to cap off the tournament. Overall all wrestlers had a great day with lots of close matches and lots of learning.”

Next week the Bullodgs will travel to Parkers Prairie for a Tri against BHVPP and UNC, to Wadena for a dual against the Wolverines, and back to WCA for the Grant County Invitational.