By Jackson Smith
Web Editor

The Clackamas Cougars wrestling team is eyeing their spot in the postseason on Feb. 14. Some call it Valentine’s Day, others may know it as the state of Oregon’s birthday in 1859.

On Friday, Jan. 16, the Cougars hosted North Idaho College in a dual, coming out on top in a 24-19 win against their longtime rivals. This win against the Cardinals pushes the Cougars into a prime position for the postseason.

In a hard fought dual for both sides, six of the ten matches landed in favor of the Cougars. Standout performances include Jeremy Oani (weight 125), Aaron Concepcion (weight 157), and Henry Dillingham (weight 165).

Jeremy Oani holding opponent down. Photos by Carlos Rodriguez-Picazo

Oani made quick work of his match, winning 15-0 in just 2 minutes and12 seconds. He showcased how his speed and power can work together to give him the upper hand. Concepcion won his match 18-8 in a dominant fashion, using his physical power to overcome his opponent.

Dillingham finished his match 18-11 against North Idaho’s Colton Theobald, adding to his growing win column. Dillingham maintained a strong control over his opponent during this match, keeping himself planted on the mat for most of it. He made sure his opponent had no room to throw him around.

Following his freshman year where he finished as a national runner-up for his class, Dillingham came into this season looking to compete. Dillingham holds a 25-2 solo record on the season thus far, being ranked number one nationally in his weight class. 

While Dillingham has had a season for the books, that hasn’t come without a bit of  turbulence. Though finding ways to push through and come out on top nonetheless, he hasn’t been able to compete at 100% this season.

“Trust in the process, I’ve been banged up all year so [I] just trust in my coaches, trust in my training, just believing I’m the best in the country.” Dillingham said.

Even with being unable to compete to his full extent, Dillingham puts his trust into his teammates and coaches. That trust is something much bigger than the sport; it’s what drives them to compete at this level.

Henry Dillingham getting introduced.

Dillingham spoke on what drives him to want to compete the most, saying “Watching my teammates go out and wrestle, compete, knowing that I’m not bigger than the program, that I’m wrestling for something that’s bigger than myself.” 

After finishing fourth at the NJCAA National Duals in December, the Cougars rank number four in the nation. This puts the team in a special position to compete in the NJCAA Region 18 Championship, giving them a chance at back-to-back titles.

Coming off of a title season, reigning NJCAA Region 18 Coach of the Year Brett Sanchez is looking to lead this team to glory for the second straight year. 

“As a whole I really like the direction we’re heading right now. We’ve been getting better and better each event, each week, each practice,” Sanchez said.

Coach Sanchez is confident in his guys and what he has going on this season, and he believes that is what will continue to allow this team to thrive come postseason in February.

“So far we’re doing that, we’re doing a good job with our mental psyche. If we continue building on that to get ready for postseason, keep that mental edge, we’re going to be in good shape,” Sanchez said.

Coach Sanchez and Associate Head Coach Abner Romero watching a match.

A player’s mental state plays a large part in their game. Athletes keeping up with their habits and making sure they’re giving it their all is something very important to Coach Sanchez and his team.

“You just gotta remind them, trust in the preparation that they put throughout the season, throughout the week. Those little reminders help them go out there and have fun, let it rip,” said Sanchez. “Once they’re in that element mentally and they manifest everything from that preparation, it’s just about going out there and putting on a good performance.”

With the postseason coming up in February, the Cougars will look to bring home another title. Coach Sanchez has high hopes for his team, taking the necessary steps to lead his team to potentially becoming back-to-back champions. Should Cupid fire his arrows correctly, the Cougars may find themselves in a match made in heaven on Feb. 14.