New class of Raiders features local stars

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New class of Raiders features local stars Southern Oregon University wrestling coach Mike Ritchey rates the Raiders fall recruiting class the best in his seven-year tenure. Southern Oregon, which won its fourth NAIA national championship in March, will feature a group that includes four local standouts and five state champions. "It's a very balanced group of newcomers," said Ritchey. "We addressed each weight class except for the two where we have a pair of returning All-Americans (165 and 197)." Included on the list are former Crater wrestlers Mike Whitehead and Ben Tibbetts and former Eagle Point wrestlers James Mannenbach and Darek Smith. Southern Oregon posted a 9-4 dual-meet record last season and extended the school's consecutive winning season streak to 31. The Raiders return eight All-Americans. The following wrestlers make-up the Raiders' fall recruiting class: Jeff Farnes (125) - a seventh-place Class A state placer from North Salem High. Ian Gadberry (125) - a two-time Class 4A state champion from Canby. McShane Erlebach (133/141) - a 2000 Class 3A champion from Ontario. Jordan Ottow (133) - from Snohomish, Wash., and a Wartburg (Iowa) College transfer. Kenny Martin (141) - a two-time top-three Class 3A state placer from Siuslaw High. Waylon Alsbury (149) - an all-state product from Missoula, Mont., via Northwest Wyoming Junior College. Josh Fitzgerald (149) - a Nevada fourth-place finisher from Las Vegas Cimarron High. Jon Gubser (149) - a 2000 Class 2A state champion from Gervais. Darek Smith (157) - a four-time Class 4A state meet qualifier from Eagle Point. James Mannenbach (174) - a two-time top-three state placer from Eagle Point. Grant Thompson (184) - the 2000 Class 2A state champion and 2001 runner-up from Crane. Jason Fields (285) - a two-time Class 4A state meet qualifier from Milwaukie. Ben Tibbetts (285) - the 2001 Class 4A state runner-up from Crater. Mike Whitehead (285) - a Class 4A state champion at Crater and a junior college All-American transfer from North Idaho College.   Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.