Redmond and Ridgeview were among the 84 teams taking part in the Oregon Wrestling Classic at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center on Jan. 15 and 16.Geoff Folsom Spokesman

Members of Redmond High School’s wrestling team, who were freshmen when the Panthers placed third in the 5A state tournament in 2013, hope to top that result this year.

“Back then we were watching; now we’re doing it,” said senior Matt McCain, who wrestles at 138 pounds.

Members of this year’s team believe they can improve on that 2013 finish, as well as that of last year’s team, which finished seventh in the state.

“I think we can win state,” said Dayton Woodward, a senior who wrestles in the 145-pound weight class. “We push each other in the mat room every day, believing we can do it.”

Across town at Ridgeview High, expectations are a bit more modest. Coach Dan Elliott said the team started with 18 wrestlers but is down to 11 because of injuries.

The Ravens are also in rebuilding mode with a team largely made up of sophomores. But Elliott was happy with the team’s performance at the Jan. 9 Bend Invitational. Ridgeview only entered seven wrestlers, but five of them finished in the top five.

“As far as what we’ve been able to put on the mat, I’ve been real pleased,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for much more considering their experience level.”

Both teams took part in the Oregon Wrestling Classic on Jan. 15 and 16, where 84 teams representing all classifications came to the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center.

Redmond reached the semifinals of the 5A bracket before losing 34-29 to Hillsboro, then came back to beat Crater 51-17 for third place. Ridgeview was forced to wrestle in the consolation bracket Saturday after its performance Friday.

“That’s always a big one that we circle on our schedule,” said Redmond coach Kris Davis of the meet. “The community loves the tournament, the kids love the tournament. It’s an exciting time when kids come from all over the state.”

The Oregon Classic is crucial because it impacts seeding for next month’s district tournament, Davis said.

Redmond’s Oregon Classic performance (where only team scores were compiled) came a week after winning the nine-team Brunner Invitational in Dallas, Oregon. McCain, along with Jacob Curry (113 pounds), 2015 state champion Mitch Willett (170 pounds), Mario Nonato (220 pounds) and Jake Brauchler (285 pounds) all had first-place finishes in their weight classes there.

Woodward and Bunker Parrish (220 pounds) had second-place finishes in Dallas on Jan. 9, while Trae Bolken (106 pounds), Austin Doescher (120 pounds), Tamione Dunnigan (152 pounds) and Austin Hill (195 pounds) each finished third.

Redmond and Ridgeview both have several dual matches coming up, starting today. Redmond is at Mountain View at 7 p.m. today, and Ridgeview plays host to Summit at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Abraham Nonato, the only senior on Ridgeview’s team, wants to show leadership to the younger wrestlers to help them prepare for the 2016-17 season, he said.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of practice,” said Abraham Nonato, cousin of Mario Nonato. “We’ve got a young team. They’ll be better by next year.”

The Ravens could get some representation at the state tournament because of the tough District 4 schedule they have faced, Elliott said.

“As I look around this room, I would say we have four or five guys who have a legitimate shot at making it,” he said.

The future is now for Redmond. But Davis is still seeing growth over the season.

“We have kids who have put in the effort in the offseason who should be placing pretty high in the state tournament,” he said. “They’re willing and ready and want to be good. That makes my job a lot easier.”

Davis sees a number of similarities between this team and the 2013 group.

“They were all-around athletic kids who played three different sports; this group is more specialized in wrestling,” he said. “But the willingness to compete at a high level is the same as with that group.”

— Reporter: 541-548-2186,gfolsom@redmondspokesman.com