OREGON CITY – Confidence and composure won out in the semifinals of the Special District 2 wrestling championships. The wrestlers who stayed cool and even-keeled under pressure were the ones to advance to the championship rounds.
In the 145-pound division, David Douglas Ricky Molinari stayed positive throughout his match against Centennials Connor Kurtz, and it made the difference. Molinari jumped out to a slim, early lead, but Kurtz fought back to tie the score at 6-6 in the third round. Molinari wasnt worried. With less than one minute remaining, he earned a two-point takedown to slide past Kurtz.
I knew I was going to pull it out, Molinari said. Im way more conditioned than he is and Ive worked harder than he has.
In the other half of the bracket, Greshams Austun Long defeated West Linns Trent Porter by fall. To start the match, Porter was fired up and had all the energy. That gave him an early lead. All the while, Long showed no emotion and kept his wits about him. Halfway through the second round, Porter got tired. Long saw that opening and took advantage with a quick takedown, which he turned into a pin with 32 seconds remaining in Round 2.
Half the battle is the emotional battle, so I try to stay optimistic, Long said. When I pushed the tempo, he got discouraged and down on himself, and that is what won me the match.
Molinari would go on to win the title bout showdown by a 7-2 decision, as David Douglas dominated the tournament. The Scots crowned five weight-class champions and finished with 330 points, beating runner-up Oregon City by more than 70 points.
Look for extended coverage, including a list of all placing bouts, in the Tuesday, Feb. 19, print edition.