The Battle Mountain High School wrestling team completed another year as undefeated league duals champions, racking up an 8-0 record against Northern Division III/IV competition last weekend in Battle Mountain.
“This was a chance for us to see the rest of the league,” said BMHS coach Mitch Domagala. “We hadn’t seen a lot of these teams yet this season and this gives an opportunity to prepare for the competition heading into the league tournament.”
In addition to the 8-0 record as a team, the Longhorns had a combined individual record of 98-6 against league opponents. “Individually the kids wrestled well this weekend,” said the coach. “We still have some work to do in cleaning up our technique, but we’re real close to getting where we need to be.”
Battle Mountain defeated Pershing County 66-18, Yerington 67-12, Wells 50-27, Eureka 72-6, Rite Of Passage 78-0. Incline 78-0 and Silver Stage 78-0.
Battle Mountain was lea by Jake Legarza, Cameron Thompson, DeAndre Powell, Bobby Kester, Andrew Cox, Matt Rochester, Jeff Oakes and Cooper Burkhart as they all went 8-0 over the weekend and secured the top seed in the league tournament in their weight classes.
Mason Chopp and Zach Heese posted 7-1 records and are ranked second in their weight classes. Daegen McClary was 6-1 and earned a third-seed ranking. Also, wrestling at the league tournament will be Brandon Stallard.
Battle Mountain’s run to a fourth consecutive state championship begins Saturday at Pershing County High School in Lovelock. The top four finishers in each weight class advances to the state championships.
The NIAA State Wrestling Championships takes place on Feb. 20 at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm. Primm is located on the California/Nevada border, 45 miles from Las Vegas.
Battle Mountain is attempting to win its 16th state title, which would tie them for most in Nevada history with Lowry.