Document text
48 °F Forecast | Road Cams Tuesday, May 11, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend February 27, 2004 Nolan Rubus Crater High, 1994 By TIM TROWER Mail Tribune Construction is a fitting way for Nolan Rubus to make his living. He was, after all, a big part of the foundation on which the juggernaut Crater wrestling program was built, becoming the school’s first two-time state champion and first four-time state placer. Similarly, he enjoys success away from wrestling. The 28-year-old is a commercial project engineer for R&H Construction in Portland, where he’s worked for one year and recently completed his first job — a $25 million portion of a two-block, three-building center in Vancouver, Wash. Advertisement He and his wife, Amy, have been married nearly five years and have a 2½ -year-old son, Isaac. They live in Oak Grove, outside Milwaukie. Rubus, the 106-pound state champ in 1993 and the 115 winner in ‘94, attended the Class 4A meet in Portland, where his alma mater won its sixth title in 12 years. Rubus was on the first titlist and carries with him lessons learned in the wrestling room under coach Greg Haga. "It helped in just persevering through things and building a work ethic," he says of being part of the Crater program. "Wrestling for Mr. Haga, you take pride in what you do and do it to the best of your ability. That’s something you try to carry into every aspect of your life, whether it’s school or work or anything. I still maintain that competitive spirit in everything I do." These days, he makes it to the gym for early morning workouts, is into mountain biking and occasionally gets into the wrestling room at St. Helens High, where a friend of his coaches. Rubus was sixth and third at state before winning his two titles. He recalls fondly the team camaraderie, but there was one tournament, the big Sierra Nevada Classic in Reno, Nev., where, as an underweight junior, he had a title win that ranks with his 4A crowns. "I was definitely the underdog," says Rubus. "The guy was a lot bigger, but I caught him in a move and ended up pinning him." Rubus walked on at Oregon State and proved to be better than the Beavers’ lightweight recruits. But two-thirds of the way through the season, Rubus quit to concentrate on schoolwork and enjoy the college experience. "I have no regrets doing that," he says. "At the time, I felt a lot of pressure back home to follow through on that stuff, but when it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing. It wasn’t my style there." He earned his degree and immediately went to work — but still follows the Comets. "They stick to the fundamentals and basics of wrestling," he says. "That’s what we were taught, that and hard work and being tough. The guys love to wrestle, and that’s what Mr. Haga instills in kids. They have a sense of pride." Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times