Dave Ornauer

Pacific SportsBlog

Okinawa-based sports reporter Dave Ornauer on military-related sports in the Far East.

Okinawa wrestling: Back and forth, back and forth ...

Posted January 18th, 2008 by Dave Ornauer
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High school wrestling on Okinawa has resembled the pendulum in my folks old grandfather clock.

First, Kubasaki wins 90 of the first 91 Okinawa Activities Council dual meets dating back to 1982. Then, Kadena wins nine straight. Last season, Kubasaki swept the season series.

Now, the pendulum swings back in Kadena's favor after Wednesday's 40-19 victory at the Dragons' Den.

And it wasn't just Kadena's defending Far East gold medalists doing the damage.  Stepping out of those shadows were Seth Ennis (108), Severin Reidel (122), Harry Bloom (141), Cody Cash (158), Josh Carpenter (168), Tyler Broome (180) and John Shoults (heavyweight); each scored huge victories, rallying the Panthers from an early 14-8 deficit.

And there's much ado before the two meet again on Feb. 5 in the season series-ender.

Catch the Okinawa-American Friendship Tournament on Saturday at Kadena's Nakayoshi (nee' Falcon) Gym, followed by the "Rumble on the Rock" Feb. 1-2 at Camp Foster.

"This should be interesting" is quite the understatement.

What's up Mr. Ornauer?

On January 20th, 2008 G Hendricksen says:

I was wondering if you noticed the fact that some of those "fresh faces" you listed were previous champions that have been working hard and wrestling for some time now.

You seemed to have forgotten to list every weight class, especially 215 beast Karsten Hendricksen and 115 pound beast Aaron Avila. Also Dylan Bruton, our 135 pound beast, who is also a fresh face in the line-up by the way.

Wanted to set the record straight and include everyone in the line-up.

They were included

On January 20th, 2008 Dave Ornauer says:

First, congratulations to all the Panthers. They've worked hard all season and have reaped the benefits of their efforts, first on Jan. 12 at the "Beast" Tournament, then Thursday at Kubasaki and again on Saturday in the friendship tournament.

Next, regarding the Kubasaki meet, the results of all 13 bouts were listed in the local scoreboard section opposite the story and photograph of the meet on Page 32 of Saturday's editions.

Third, best of luck to the Panthers the rest of the way. :)