It was Senior Night last week for the Canby Wrestling Team, as the Cougs hosted the neighboring Pioneers from up the road at Oregon City. Canby took an early 18-0 lead, with pins in their first three matches by Landon Sprague at 106, Ethan Ensrud at 113 and Nick Marquez at 120.
But it’s not over until the fat lady sings, as they say. The Pioneers were down, but certainly not out, and they came roaring back in the middle of the dual, with five straight wins — including four pins — to take the lead.
Forfeits in two weight classes put Canby back on top, but Oregon City had all the momentum. The decisive match fell to sophomore Matthew Hagen, wrestling at 220, and he had his work cut out for him against Harley Richter, who has spent much of this season wrestling at 285.
Hagen avoided two near-falls to get the pin, and earned the victory in the last seconds of round two.
Canby Athletics on Twitter
Matthew Hagan!! He survives 2 near pins to come back and earn the pin in the last seconds of the 2nd round!! Canby leads 42-31 with 1 to go!! #CanbyProud #NeverGiveUp
This Thursday, the Canby Wrestling Team will travel to Tualatin for their final dual of the regular season, before the league championship on Valentine’s Week.
The same night, both the girls and boys Canby swim teams continued their fantastic seasons, winning their own duals against Oregon City.