UPDATE (see bottom of article). Vanessa Keller has made history to become Oakridge’s First Ever OSAA Women’s High School Wrestling State Champion. No stranger to wrestling excellence, Vanessa has twice been runner-up, along with a 3rd and 4th place at USA Wrestling State Championships. USA Wrestling combines 1A-6A to Crown a True State Champion.
The Oakridge Mat Club recently returned from Reno Worlds, which includes wrestlers representing 43 States and 4 Countries.
Oakridge Wrestlers made history again with siblings Kali and Rowdy Williams being the first Oakridge Brother and Sister to attain All-American Status and the first Oakridge Brother and Sister to place at the same National Tournament. Rowdy Williams also claiming his third Reno Worlds Medal. Head Coaches for the Mat Club include Dan Nibblett, Elementary School, and Bryan Williams, Jr./Sr. High School.
A history of winning wrestlers
Oakridge Mat Club Teammates have collected:
26 State Championships
15 Second Place Medals
18 Third Place Medals
15 Forth Place Medals
12 Fifth Place Medals
5 Sixth Place Medals
Coaches see young wrestlers as ambassadors
Says Dan Nibblett, “Coach Bryan and I are very proud of the effort and the results these kids have put forward. More importantly, they are good citizens, students and a real joy to coach.” These kids will be a real force for good in our community and are always great ambassadors of Oakridge.
UPDATE: Oakridge Mat Club State Placers
USA Wrestling Kid’s Division
2022-2023 1st Place Aunna Anderson
1st Place Chevy Franks
1st Place Zoey McCall
1st Place Emmalee Brissette *
2nd Place Jillian Pederson
2nd Place Kali Williams **
2nd Place Rowdy Williams *
3rd Place Ilissa Fredrickson-Barlow
3rd Place Kylee Tiller
5th Place Dixie Dillon
5th Place Braelyn Kirkhart
6th Place Adelina Scott
Jr. High Wrestlers are identified with *
High School Wrestlers are identified with **
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
