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Sweet Home High School Wrestling Season Preview

Wrestling
Winter Recap 2025 Play1
Sun, June 15, 2025 at 09:06 AM . Oregon

Sweet Home High School Wrestling: A Season of Excellence and Promise Under Coach Steve Thorpe

The 2025 winter wrestling season at Sweet Home High School was marked by outstanding performances, team milestones, and a clear demonstration of depth and talent on both the men’s and women’s squads. Head Coach Steve Thorpe led his teams through a season filled with memorable victories, close contests, and individual championship glory, establishing Sweet Home as a powerhouse in Oregon wrestling. We caught up with Coach Thorpe to get his insights on the season’s highlights, challenges, and what lies ahead for this flourishing wrestling program.

Four State Titles and a Second-Place Finish: A Season to Remember

The cornerstone of Sweet Home’s success this season was the remarkable performance of several standout wrestlers who claimed state titles and high finishes. Jesse Landtroop, Riley Vaughan, Tytus Hardee, and Dillan Davis each captured coveted state championships, providing the team with a strong competitive edge. Adding to the team’s impressive résumé, Kyle Zajic secured a second-place finish at state, demonstrating consistent excellence throughout the season. On the women’s side, Bailey Chafin made a significant impact by finishing second at state, anchoring a growing program that is quickly making its mark. “Bailey has been a major scorer for our women’s team,” Coach Thorpe said, highlighting her vital role.

Dominance in Duals and Tournament Success

The men’s team compiled a formidable 31-2 record in dual meets, a testament to the team’s depth and preparation. They clinched the Oregon Classic Dual Meet State Title and captured the Regional Championship, finishing the season with a strong second-place result at the state tournament. This combination of consistency and clutch performances underscored the squad’s position as one of the state’s elite. The women’s team also had a solid season, finishing as Regional Runner-up, placing fifth at the Oregon Classic, and earning the Conference Dual Championship. These accomplishments reflect the rising strength of the women’s program and a promising future as the team continues to develop.

Defining Moments: State Finals and Championship Runs

One of the defining moments of the season came when Sweet Home placed five wrestlers in the state finals, winning four of those matches to capture state titles. This rare feat was a clear turning point and an expression of the team’s competitive fire and skill. Coach Thorpe noted, “Putting five guys in the finals and winning four of the five for state titles was a huge boost for our program.” This performance not only showcased individual excellence but also the strength of the coaching staff and the team’s ability to peak at the right time.

Responding to Adversity with Resilience

No season is without its hurdles, and Sweet Home faced challenges with resilience and determination. The team suffered the loss of a wrestler expected to win a state title at the regional tournament, a setback that could have derailed their momentum. However, the team responded with focus and grit, rallying to win the regional championship and ultimately finish second at state. Coach Thorpe emphasized the team’s mental toughness: “We responded well. Even with the loss, we competed hard and kept our eyes on the prize.”

Leadership and Energy from the Senior Class

The senior class, particularly on the women’s team, provided important leadership and energy throughout the season. Though smaller in number, the two senior women brought experience and poise to a developing program. Coach Thorpe said, “Our women’s team had two seniors who showed strong leadership. They set a great example for the younger athletes.” Their guidance helped foster a team culture that values hard work, support, and continuous improvement, laying the groundwork for future success.

Looking Forward: Returning Talent and New Faces

As the 2025 season closes, the Sweet Home wrestling program is energized by the wealth of returning talent. The men’s team returns nine state placers, including four champions, a formidable core that promises to compete at a high level next season. On the women’s side, key scorers are coming back, supported by a strong incoming freshman class eager to make their mark. Coach Thorpe expressed excitement for the future: “We are returning nine state placers for the men’s team, four of them champions. The girls are returning major scorers, and we have some great incoming freshmen. The future is bright.”

Offseason Focus: Building on Success

The offseason is a critical time for any wrestling program, and Sweet Home is no exception. Coach Thorpe highlighted the team’s commitment to continuous improvement during the spring. “We’ve had our best spring of wrestling for the men and women,” he said proudly. The program entered 38 wrestlers into the Freestyle and Greco State tournament, reflecting both participation and competitive spirit. This focus on freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling during the offseason provides athletes with additional mat time and exposure to different wrestling styles, which can translate into stronger performances during the traditional folkstyle season.

Finding Sweet Home Wrestling Stats and Coverage

Fans, parents, and community members looking to follow Sweet Home wrestling progress can find detailed stats and results on Trackwrestling, a leading platform for wrestling competitions and rankings. Coach Thorpe encourages supporters to stay engaged as the program continues its rise.

Conclusion: A Season of Triumph and Promise

The 2025 Sweet Home High School wrestling season stands out as a period of tremendous achievement and development. With four state champions, a strong women’s team, and a deep roster of returning talent, the program is poised to maintain its position at the forefront of Oregon wrestling. Coach Steve Thorpe’s leadership, combined with the dedication of his athletes, has forged a culture of excellence and resilience. This team’s journey—marked by victories, challenges, and relentless effort—is a testament to the hard work that wrestling demands. As the program looks ahead, the excitement for the future is palpable. With offseason training underway and a robust group of wrestlers ready to build on this year’s success, Sweet Home wrestling is gearing up for continued excellence and new milestones in the years to come. If you want to keep up with the latest Sweet Home wrestling news and statistics, visit https://www.trackwrestling.com for detailed match results and athlete rankings.
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