’Cats wrestling program takes flight
Oak Ridge’s Nicholas Englehardt controls Clinton’s Hayden Durliat during their 113-pound bout Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Clinton High School. Englehardt earned a 14-9 decision in the first dual meet between the two programs. (photo:Tony Cox )
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Wildcats wrestled in their first official match in recent memory — perhaps their first ever — launching a new chapter for the school’s storied athletic program.
The debut came against cross-county rival Clinton, a fitting opening test according to Oak Ridge Coach Bam Thomas.
“I can’t think of a better way to get this all started than to do it against a rival like Clinton,” Thomas said before the dual.
The match at Don W. Lockard Gymnasium ended in a 33-33 tie, with the Dragons taking the victory on a tie-breaker thanks to earning more pins.
Oak Ridge opened strong. Freshman 106-pounder Cole Callaghan won by forfeit, and the Wildcats extended their lead to 9-0 when Nick Englehardt earned a 14-9 decision over Clinton’s Hayden Durliat.
The 120-pound bout resulted in a double forfeit. Clinton followed with its first victory as Connor Lemmon (126) defeated Sebastian Acevedo 18-13.
Oak Ridge responded with wins from Easton Greenlee (132 pounds), Robert Rankin (138), Nathan Anderson (150), Adam Englehardt (157) and Conner Gallaride (190).
Greenlee won by fall, while Rankin and Anderson claimed decisions. Adam Englehardt earned a forfeit victory.
Thomas — an assistant football coach at Oak Ridge and a former South-Doyle wrestler — praised his squad’s first showing.
“I think once we get some little things worked out, we can be competitive,” he said. “I think we can be a force in the area.
“The thing that stuck out to me the most was our ability and willingness to continue to fight. Easton Greenlee is very coachable, and Conner Gallaride did a great job.”
Previously, Oak Ridge wrestlers competed in a co-op with Bearden. Now, for the first time, wrestling has a full home at ORHS — and Thomas sees major potential.
“This is what the community has been wanting,” he said. “And we’re going to compete. We’re going to send people to state and we’re going to win championships. We’re going to compete for and win district and region championships.”