Senior Eric Oeth and junior Grant Smith competed in the North Coast Section (NCS) Wrestling Championships, winning their respective weight classes. Oeth was in the 152 pound weight class and Smith was in 122. The championships were held at Miramonte on Saturday, February 23.
According to Smith, he prepared for NCS by keeping his weight down and practicing many drills such as takedowns and fighting from underneath another competitor. According to Oeth, he slept and ate healthy to maintain his mental and physical strength.
Wrestling coach Tom Renno has been training Oeth for 4 years and Smith for 3. “Both work hard. Eric lifts weights every day and they have shown dedication,” said Renno.
The dedication paid off for Oeth. “I was off to an early lead, 5-0. I continued to score and the matched ended with the score of 22-8,” said Oeth.”I think I wrestled well. I’m very happy with my performance,” he added.
Oeth earned a 1st place medal.”Eric has improved his technique over the years. He is very strong,” said Renno.
Smith was just as ready for his match as Oeth. “The match was good compared to the other matches I’ve had. I wrestled on my feet so I had no points lost for that and I got a chance to turn over my opponent,” said Smith. He won NCS in his weight class last year also. According to Renno, Smith is one of the toughest kids he has ever coached. He refuses to give up.
“My match started with a take down and opponent nearly falling 3 times. There was a reversal and I was up 8-2. I escaped from my opponent’s grip and then the score was 9-2. At the end my opponent tried to come back but I ended up taking him down,” said Smith.
“The boys did great. I’m proud,” said Renno.
