John L. Braese
PULLMAN, WA. – Eastern Oregon wrestling fans will recognize some familiar names at the upcoming national collegiate tournament after the Treasure Valley Community College wrestling team competed at the Northwest Conference Tournament held in Pullman, Washington on Saturday, March 1.
The Chukars qualified nine wrestlers to head to Bossier, Louisiana on March 13, 14 and 15 including four eastern Oregon names.
Former Vale wrestler Ava Collins led the way, placing first in her weight division and receiving the Outstanding Wrestler award in Pullman.
Joining Collins on the women’s side will be former Irrigon Knight Stephanie Romero after wrestling her way to third place at the conference meet.
For the men, Nyssa alumni Christian Mardock finished second in Pullman, receiving an automatic bid to the national meet.
Former Ontario wrestler Niko Sigrah also picked up an automatic bid to nationals after placing third.
The Chukar women finished third in the team standings while the men finished fourth in the team points. The Chukars are the lone community college in the Northwest conference.
The trip to nationals will be the first for the Chukars and Coach Luis Cisneros since his hiring in 2023.
