The 2004-05 Oregon wrestling season is officially under way, and the Ducks feature a promising roster, including six wrestlers who received preseason top-20 national recognition in their respective weight classes. Under the direction of seventh-year head coach Chuck Kearney, Oregon is receiving honorable mention votes in InterMat’s preseason top-25 poll.
The Ducks opened their season Friday with a dual match against Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo., which saw Oregon fall short in a 30-16 loss. In the dual, the Ducks started strong with two pins from sophomore Cody Parker of the heavyweight class and junior Martin Mitchell of the 133-pound class. It made for a nice early cushion, but it would not withstand Wyoming’s domination of the middleweight classes. The Cowboys took care of business late in the dual, winning the last five bouts to close the match with a victory.
The Ducks were at a costly disadvantage before the dual even began — starters Shane Webster and Joey Bracamonte had to sit out because they did not make weight. As a result, Kearney was faced with starting some of his younger wrestlers.
“Our young guys wrestled like young guys,” Kearney said. “Obviously you’d like to start off the season with a win but this match will serve as a great motivator.”

Scott J. Adams is a freelance sports reporter for the Daily Emerald