Who? Everyone knows South Medford junior Bridger Foss' name now: Oregon wrestling 175/155 big-school roundup
South Medford junior Bridger Foss might just have put together the quietest undefeated season in OSAA wrestling state history.
Foss completed a 46-0 campaign Saturday night at Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum with an 8-0 major decision over Forest Grove’s Brandon Cook in the Class 6A 175-pound final.
Foss came to the meet as a mystery to many of the wrestling fans in attendance.
Because the Panthers weren’t invited to the Oregon Classic or Reser’s Tournament of Champions, for many, this was their first look at Foss since he lost in the 152 final to West Linn’s Henry Dillingham last season.
Before this weekend, he’d wrestled only two opponents from the Portland area — both at the North Bend Coast Classic in early December — and he’d won three Northern California tournaments before arriving at the Coliseum.
Foss’ victory ended a 24-year title drought for the program and made him the fourth wrestler to win a championship wearing a South Medford singlet.
“Falling short last year was just fuel to the fire,” Foss said. “I’ve been working my butt off all year to get here. I’m just glad I could break the streak and be that guy.”
5A: As a Mountain View junior last year, Jackson Potts became the first member of his family to win a state title.
This weekend, he finished his career a two-time champion, winning an 8-1 decision over Canby junior James Keinonen — a cousin of two Newberg finalists, Sawyer and Zachary.
“Last year’s was probably a little more hyped,” said Potts, who finished his career 149-20. “He was kind of a little stingy on bottom, so I was trying to open him up, but in the end, I got the win, and that’s all that matters.
“I mean, it’s an awesome way to top off my career. I’m super excited.”
6A/5A Girls: Sophomore Izabella Castlebery won the only individual title for Thurston during its run to a third team championship, earning a technical fall of Tigard’s Natalie Wilhoit midway through the second period of their 155-pound final.
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Meet the champions: Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A | Class 3A | Class 2A/1A | Class 6A/5A Girls | Class 4A/3A/2A/1A Girls
Vote for best wrestler: Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A | Class 3A | Class 2A/1A | Class 6A/5A Girls | Class 4A/3A/2A/1A Girls
Previewing the state meets: Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A | Class 3A | Class 2A/1A | Class 6A/5A Girls | Class 4A/3A/2A/1A Girls
Recapping the district meets: Class 6A | Class 5A | Class 4A | Class 3A | Class 2A/1A | Class 6A/5A Girls | Class 4A/3A/2A/1A Girls
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF 2024 OSAA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Photos by Taylor Balkom
