The list of accomplishments that 2016 BMHS graduate Jeff Oakes compiled on the wrestling mat was nothing short of outstanding.
One year after the three-time Nevada State Champion and two-time High School All-American finished his career for the Longhorns, he took to the mats for Northwest Junior College in Powell, Wyo.
Wrestling in the 197-pound division, Oakes took the starting spot at the beginning of the season.
“I just wanted to keep wrestling and this school was a perfect fit for me,” said Oakes.
As he adjusted to the next level of competition Oakes continued to pile up wins and make the NJCAA rankings panel take notice.
He spent a majority of the season ranked in the top eight nationally.
The postseason is where Oakes has always shined and he continued that trend in his true freshman college year.
As his Longhorns were winning their fifth straight state title (17th overall), Oakes won the Rocky Mountain Sectional Tournament on Feb. 10-11 to qualify for nationals.
The NJCAA National Wrestling Tournament was held this past weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Oakes put together a 5-3 record and finished in sixth-place to earn All-American honors in his first college season.
“The fact that Jeff was as successful as he was this season in college comes as no surprise to those that know him,” said Battle Mountain head coach Mitch Domagala. “He has a work ethic that is unparalleled. He puts everything he has into his wrestling and expects and demands success. He is a great representative and inspiration to our community.”
