Wrestling

Domination These wrestlers dominate the mat: Chris Perry, Stillwater - The most dominant wrestler in the state. The senior will try to finish his career with four straight state titles. He has won state championships at 160, 171 and 189 pounds. This year he will be the heavy favorite to win his fourth title at 189 in Class 6A. Cory Dauphin, El Reno - The junior has won two straight 4A state championships, one at 135 and 140 last year. He has a lot of moves to pin his opponents. Cody Dauphin, El Reno - He has a rare combination of strength and ability to win matches. He has won two straight 4A state titles at 215 pounds. Bobby Williams, Tuttle - The senior knows how to win when he gets on the mat. He has won two straight class 3A state titles, one at 145 pounds two years ago and at 152 pounds a year ago. Look for him to capture another one this year. The Technicians These wrestlers have a variety of moves to win matches: Kidd Gomez, Noble - He became a YouTube phenom with video of his back-flip to escape a move in a match last year. But he's also known as a state champion and one of the best wrestlers in the state. He captured the Class 4A title at 112 pounds last year. Casey Rowell, Duncan - The senior has won two straight Class 4A state titles, one at 112-pounds and one last year at 119-pounds. Best wrestler in state in his weight class. Tyler Dorrell, Del City - Looking for another top finish this year in Class 6A after impressing the last two years, including a 5A state title at 112 pounds last season. Jared Elmore, Stillwater - His teammate Chris Perry gets most of the attention, but Elmore is a rising star. The sophomore won a 5A state title at 103-pounds a year ago in his first year. Too Strong These wrestlers use their strength to control opponents: Jack Jewell, Norman - Jewell was a Class 5A state placer a year ago and is a top title contender in 6A heavyweight division because of his power. Bryon Soloman, El Reno - The senior is tough to handle with his combination of speed and moves. He has won two straight heavyweight state titles, one with Ada two years ago and last year with El Reno in Class 4A. Joe Gaither, Kingfisher - The junior has qualified for the state tournament each of the past two years and is possibly the best wrestler at the heavyweight division in 3A this year. Cade Draper, Deer Creek - He will look to build off an impressive year last season where he was a surprise to one who captured the Class 4A state title at 152 pounds in one of the most exciting matches all year. He won the state title in overtime and has the talent to win it again. Watch Out These unknown wrestlers will be in the limelight this year: Cole Gracey, Tuttle - The junior came out of nowhere to win the Class 3A 145-pounds weight division last year. This year he is the favorite to win another one. Dustin Reed, Choctaw - He was a state placer a year ago and will look to build off that experience 119 pounds in Class 6A. Caleb Randall, Westmoore - The senior is a two time state qualifier and contender at 140 pounds in Class 6A. Jared Porter, Carl Albert - The junior looks to continue the talent that the Titans have produced over the years. He is a top contender at 145 pounds in Class 5A. Ryan Bilyeau, Guthrie - The senior is the favorite to win the Class 5A state title at 145 pounds. Derek Row, Bethel - The senior has been a state title contender most of his high school career and will look to capture one this year at 112 pounds in Class 3A. Chad Kochenower, Kingfisher - The senior is one to watch contend in Class 3A at 119 pounds. Top Teams Midwest City - The Bombers have won two straight Class 5A state titles and will look to grab one in 6A this year with a young team. Midwest City lost a lot of talent to graduation and will look to gain some experience this year. El Reno - The Indians are led by the Dauphin brothers and will again be a tough team after finishing runner-up in Class 4A the past two years. Stillwater - The Pioneers have the best wrestler in the state in Chris Perry and some solid talent to go with him. Del City - This team was a surprise a year ago, but returns some talented wrestlers and will look to follow up with another impressive season. Carl Albert - The Titans will look to build off an impressive season a year ago when it finished fourth in Class 4A. They have several young, but talented wrestlers this year. Tuttle - Led by two of the most talented wrestlers in the state in their weight class (Bobby Williams and Cole Gracey), The Tigers will field a formidable squad. Kingfisher - Led by the talent of Joe Gaither and some other solid grapplers, the Yellowjackets will field a veteran squad to compete in Class 3A. Dates to Remember Dual State Championships - Feb. 13-14 Regional Tournaments - Feb. 20-21. State Tournament - Feb. 27-28. Noteworthy Similar to several fall sports, wrestling has moved up all the classes to match football and basketball. Last year, wrestling was Class 5A-2A. This year it is Class 6A-3A with each program moving up a class.