Rogers Heritage nearly doubled up the competition in winning the Gentry Holiday Classic high school wrestling tournament over the weekend.
The War Eagles won six weight classes and rolled up 293 points almost double the total of second-place Little Rock Christian’s 153.
Heritage’s Jared Arthur, who won at 145 pounds, was even named the tournament’s outstanding mid-weight wrestler.
Arthur joined teammates Paxon Fowler (125), Dalton Scales (135), Peter Ramirez (140), Casey Dye (152) and Ty Roderique (189) in winning their weight class. Fowler, Ramirez and Roderique each won by pinfall.
In addition, Heritage’s Bucky Willett (112), Cole Bundy (130) and Kevin Rivers (285) each placed second.
Still Heritage coach Randy Steen said his team has plenty to improve upon.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Steen said. “We expected more out of our 171. Paul Coonce (third at 160) continues to be a surprise for us. We got our eyes opened up at 145 even though we won. That kid from Springdale’s tough.”
Springdale Har-Ber sophomore Dylan Collins picked up the win at 103 with a third-period pin in the finals. Bentonville’s Jared Scott also won at 171.
Fayetteville finished fourth in the tournament with 137 points, just 2 1/2 points behind third-place Diamond, Mo. The Purple Bulldogs had four second-place finishers.
Fayetteville’s Cameron Baker (152), Hunter Boger (160), Marshall McComas (189) and Devin Bowers (215) each were second.
Baker lost to Heritage’s Dye in the finals 6-2, but led early in the match. Heritage’s Roderique pinned McComas in the finals at 189.
In addition, Springdale High had three second-place finishers — Charlie Estrada (125), Carolos Martinez (140) and Albertson Claros (145). Gentry’s Seth Johnson (135) also took second.