In another outstanding week for the Lincoln wrestling program, the Bulldogs took home the Pinnacle Conference Championship on Tuesday and fared well at the Larry Wilkey Invitational in Jenks over the weekend.

The Bulldogs won the Pinnacle Conference title for the first time in school history, behind a dominating performance at Cascia Hall on Tuesday.

Lincoln rolled in all four dual matches to take home the title, beating Victory 54-25, winning 42-6 over Holland Hall, rolling over OCS 56-6 and beating Cascia Hall 54-30.

"I thought we had a great opportunity to wrestle well and win the conference," said Lincoln head coach AB Stokes. "These guys are trying to get better every time we compete."

The Bulldogs were led by freshmen Arion Stokes (106), Easton Smith (126) and Drake Sheffield (132), as well as seniors Hudson Farris (138) and Ethan Uyetake (175) and junior Lincoln Torres (285), all of which finished the day undefeated.

Freshman Bryce Milligan also had a big day for Lincoln, pinning two of his opponents to help the Bulldogs to the title.

In Jenks, the Bulldogs took 6th out of 16 teams in the loaded event, as Lincoln continued to perform art a high level amidst a tough schedule.

"It was a good showing from our guys and I'm happy for the continued progress," said Stokes. "I'm really enjoying this journey with these guys and these coaches."

The Bulldogs had 110 team points, finishing behind champion Yukon, runner-up Salina, Bethalto (IL), Owasso and Jenks.

Lincoln was just in front of Sapulpa, Westmoore and Sand Springs, among others.

Farris took 2nd to lead the Bulldogs, going 5-1 on the weekend. Uyetake took 3rd for Lincoln, also going 5-1 in a great showing.

Smith and Torres each placed 5th for Lincoln, as both pinned opponents in the 5th place match to help the team to the top-six finish.

Smith was 4-2 on the weekend, while Torres finished 4-3.

Torres had to navigate a tough bracket, facing the No. 1-ranked wrestler in both Class 3A and Class 6A, while also facing the No. 3-ranked wrestler from Illinois.

"It was great for Lincoln to feel those type of matches," said Stokes. "To battle with those guys and not give up a pin or even a major decision is encouraging. I know he's not satisfied and that's even more encouraging."

Arion Stokes also took 5th for Lincoln, including a pin over the No. 6-ranked wrestler in 6A to avenge an earlier loss.

"I couldn't be more proud of him in that moment," Stokes said of his freshman son. "It wasn't just the win, but that kid beat him the 1st day. So to get after a guy that beat you just a day earlier speaks volume of his mental toughness, and that's what I want out of our guys."

Sheffield and freshman Colt Conroy (190) each took 9th for Lincoln, wrestling well as they continue to gain experience over the weekend.

Stokes also praised senior Gabe Huntsinger, freshman Max Madrid, sophomore Jake Hornstein, and junior Mason Wren for their effort over the weekend.

"Drake Sheffield had a tough draw facing the top two wrestlers in his first two matches," the head coach said. "He would finish the tournament with four wins, all by fall. Gabe Huntsinger, Jake Hornstien, Max Madrid and Mason Wren all contributed with wins to add team points and Colt Conroy got his first varsity wins with two pins on day two."

Lincoln is back in action tomorrow at home, hosting Bartlesville for a dual on senior night at 6 p.m.



Photos by Lee Talley