Bits and Pieces-New Year’s Edition
A Wrestling All-American, all-tournament team reviews, a get together of friends
During the holidays—or maybe especially—sports does not come to a halt, even locally. Here is a run-down of a few key items you might have missed.
Sprague Wrestling All-American
Sprague senior wrestler Cole Steketee had quite the time at the prestigious Reno Tournament of Champions in Nevada. The event—which was held December 16-18 in Nevada—brings some of the very best grapplers from across the nation. Cole finished third in his weight class, going 7-1 in his matches. His finish qualified him as a wrestling all-American.
Steketee—who was a first team all-District One football center this fall—won the Oregon 6A 285 pound wrestling crown last spring as the Olympians finished second in the team standings.
For his efforts, Cole was named the OSAA’s wrestler of the week.
Capital City Tournament: All Tourney Players Locally
Top ranked West Linn won the boys event, Silverton the girls bracket as part of the Capital City Classic Tournament held at Willamette University (Boys), and Corban University (Girls). The event—which stretched over five days—attracted good crowds and included some exciting basketball.
Also part of the event were all-tourney awards that included several players from the mid-valley.
Spencer Horne of Cascade (Turner) and West Salem’s Jackson Leach were named to the boys second team. Sprague’s Liam Spencer and West Salem’s Jimmy Lathen were third team picks.
Leach also was selected by the Statesman Journal newspaper for his tournament play.
For the girls, Silverton’s Kyleigh Brown was named the most outstanding player of the eight-team girls bracket. Lizzy Bennett of West Salem was also named to the first team.
Second team girls picks locally included Kirsten Kuenzi of Silverton, West Salem’s Emma Zuniga and Sadie Wendring of Central (Independence).
A Truly Cheesy Event Finally Held
The Western Oregon Ice Storm this past week put off the get together for a few days, but long-time friends and supporters of John “Cheeseburger” Witherspoon gathered at a South Salem eatery on December 28th to honor the man who has served the Salem sports community for four decades.
Witherspoon—known as Cheeseburger to his friends—was visited by several dozen folks at the b2 Taphouse on Boone Rd.
A man of few words, John said “we had a great time” while smiling and engaging in conversation with all of his friends, including three former Athletic Directors, members of the Boys and Girls Club, a handful of umpires and a mix of ex-players and coaches.
Co-organizer Neil Johnson was pleased by the turnout and the love shown for Cheeseburger.
“It was a fun time with lots of stories and wonderful people,” said Johnson.
“We are all inspired by Cheeseburger and his dedication to children and families in our community.”
J, Witherspoon (the cheeseburger) looks like he might be over dressed?