(Oakland) Riverside is sending four wrestlers to the state tournament. First round competition in Class 1A will start at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.
In the field for the Bulldogs are Davis Bramman, Kellen Oliver, Jack Branan, and Caden Forristall. With a record of 36-5, Bramman is the #2 seed at 106. Head coach Casey Conover says, “The big thing with him is keeping his mindset and staying focused. He’s going to have a 1st round bye so he won’t wrestle until later in the day. He’s got to stay locked in and focused. If he does that, great things are going to happen.”
Kellen Oliver is 28-15 and will face 36-14 Hayden Munn, of Nashua-Plainfield in the first round at 120. “He’s been getting better and better each week. If we stick to our offense and our technique he could have a really good showing at state. I like the draw. The big thing now is just executing.”
Jack Branan made his way into the 132 pound field with a runner-up finish at districts on Saturday. “He had a good tournament. He wrestled tough and physical. As a freshman that hasn’t wrestled very much it’s exciting to see him make it.”
At 220 Caden Forristall is seeded 16th. He’ll put his 23-12 record on the line against 40-11 David Smith, of West Hancock. “Everything started clicking.” Conover says, “The last few weeks it started clicking for him. He’s going to be a light 220 pounder, but he’s strong enough to compete with those guys. If he can keep the intensity up and stick to the game plan he can have a good showing.”
The 1st round, 2nd round, and 1st round of consolations will take place on Wednesday. Thursday’s session will include 2nd round consolations, quarterfinals, and 3rd round consolations.
Riverside coach Casey Conover:
