Bulletin staff report

LA PINE – La Pine claimed two wrestling dual-meet victories on Thursday, beating Sky-Em League foe Cottage Grove 54-30 and non-league opponent Grant Union 72-6 at La Pine High School.

”I expected Cottage Grove to be a lot tougher than they showed,” said La Pine coach David Kerr. ”I thought it would be a lot closer.”

Kerr was pleased with the performance of his team against Cottage Grove.

”We didn’t have five of our starters,” said Kerr, ”(but) we still ended up beating Cottage Grove.”

The Hawks have been reeling from injuries and illness since the start of the season, said Kerr.

The coach praised the efforts of Charles Harmon (215 pounds) and heavyweight Evan Kennedy.

”(They) both fought very well off their backs to come back and pin their opponents,” said Kerr.

Harmon pinned Cottage Grove’s Josh Hornick and won by forfeit in the Grant Union match.

Likewise, Kennedy pinned Cottage Grove’s Josh Plueard and won by forfeit against the Prospectors.

Grant Union brought only six wrestlers to La Pine for the meet.

According to Kerr, the Prospectors have also been plagued with injuries and illness and had only a few healthy wrestlers.

La Pine will wrestle tonight at the North Valley tournament in Grants Pass.