Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (March 10, 2022)
SPORTS A10 — THE OBSERVER THuRSday, MaRcH 10, 2022 RANKINGS Continued from Page A9 Ronald Osterloh/Contributed Photo, File Imbler’s Garrett Burns cradles Nestucca’s Zakai Chatelain in the semifinals of the 126-pound weight class at the OSAA Class 2A/1A State Wrestling Championship on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. Burns earned a technical fall with a 17-1 win on his way to his third state championship. BURNS Continued from Page A9 The senior cruised through the opening rounds, winning three straight matches to ensure his spot in the final. Otley previously defeated Burns once this year, but Imbler’s top wrestler took the final matchup of the season to make history for the Panthers. Setting the bar high The journey from beginner wrestler to three- time champion was one of hard work and dedication for Burns, who picked up the sport later than most. Burns began wres- tling in the eighth grade, learning the ins and outs of a new sport. Burns went 11-6 as a freshman, but found inspiration in his teammates. Logan Butcher, a senior at the time, took home an indi- vidual state championship for Imbler, giving Burns motivation to achieve sim- ilar success. “It really drove me,” Burns said. “I put in the work for it and just kept working and working and working. As a freshman if you told me I’d be a three- time champion, I wouldn’t believe you.” In his senior campaign for a historic third state championship, Burns went the extra mile to cement his legacy with the pro- gram. The senior stuck to a daily regime of lifting before school, often swim- ming when time allowed, weight training after lunch, practicing after school and doing homework before bed — this cycle was on repeat for the eventual state champion in his pur- suit of top marks at the 126-pound division. ON THE SLATE Friday, March 11 COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Eastern Oregon vs. Sterling college, Park city, Kansas, 10 a.m. COLLEGE WOMEN’S WRESTLING Eastern Oregon at NaIa National Invite, Jamestown, North dakota, TBa cOLLEGE SOFTBaLL British columbia at Eastern Oregon, 1 p.m. British columbia at Eastern Oregon, 3 p.m. “He has a tremendous work ethic and great lead- ership,” Imbler head coach Doug Hislop said. “Our junior high kids look at him like an idol, which is neat. He’s a good role model and gets straight As in school.” History in Imbler As Burns claimed the district title at 126 on Feb. 19, the senior suffered a significant ankle injury that limited his mobility. According to Hislop, the team at Imbler was sure to tape both of Burns’ ankles in order to avoid showing a weak point to opponents Fighting through injury at the state tournament, Burns managed to earn a 7-2 decision over Otley to make history. “Everything I put into it is what I got out of it,” Burns said. “I made sure I was doing the right things, I made sure I was on the right diet, I made sure I was lifting and perfecting. By the time I got there each year, I was ready for it.” Burns’ success and work ethic have drawn high praises from Hislop, who has been a pillar in Eastern Oregon wrestling programs. “I’ve never in 52 years of coaching had a kid like him before,” Hislop said. After the conclu- sion of his senior season, Burns leaves Imbler as the school’s most successful wrestler. His three titles, Sunday, March 13 COLLEGE BASEBALL Eastern Oregon at corban, 11 a.m. Eastern Oregon at corban, 2 p.m. alongside Carson of La Grande, highlighted a his- toric season for wrestling in Union County. “I was really excited and ecstatic leaving it on that,” Burns said. “I was sad to be done, but I was glad to leave on that note.” Burns is planning to help coach at Imbler next year, before potentially studying and wrestling at community college. He hopes to eventually transfer to Eastern Oregon University, to join the wrestling team and earn a business degree. The senior wrestler noted that several younger athletes at Imbler have recently picked up wres- tling upon seeing his suc- cess. He stated his hopes that younger wrestlers can see his achievements and be inspired, just as Burns found inspiration from his upperclassmen teammates as a freshman. “Just doing that for those small schools puts a lot into perspective,” Burns said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or your school size, you can still do it. It’s all about the work.” The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. eomediagroup.com FIELD TEST Candidates Wanted (GENERAL LOCATION HERE) and the W URGENT NOTICE: surrounding areas. You may be qualified to participate in a special Field Test of new hearing instrument technology being held at a local test site. (DATES HERE) Dates: An industry leader in digital hearing devices is sponsoring a product field test in your area next week and they have asked us to select up to 15 qualified candidates to participate. They are interested in Product Test Site: 4.0 determining the benefits of GENIUS™ 3.0 Technology in eliminating the difficulty hearing aid users experience in difficult environments, such as those with background noise or multiple talkers. Miracle-Ear Service Center Miracle-Ear Service Center so Miracle-Ear Service Center Candidates in other test areas have reported very positive feedback far. (ADDRESS HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) We are looking for additional candidates in LA GRANDE and the surrounding areas. W (GENERAL LOCATION HERE) and the th, Miracle-Ear Service Center Miracle-Ear Service Center Miracle-Ear Service Center surrounding areas. (ADDRESS HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) (DATES HERE) LA GRANDE Dates: BAKER CITY ENTERPRISE 111 Elm Street 2021 Washington Ave. 113-1/2 Front E. Main St. La Grande, OR 97850 Baker City, OR 97814 Enterprise, OR 97828 541-239-3877 541-605-2109 541-239-3782 Product Test Site: In an effort to accurately demonstrate the incredible performance of these devices, specially trained representatives will be conducting testing and demonstrations during this special event. Miracle-Ear Service Center Miracle-Ear Service Center Miracle-Ear Service Center HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) In addition (ADDRESS to an audiometric hearing evaluation, candidates will receive a fiber-optic otoscope exam, a painless procedure that could reveal common hearing problems such as excessive wax or damage to as well as common of of hearing deficiencies. Miracle-Ear Service Center Miracle-Ear Service Center Miracle-Ear Service Center the eardrum, as other other common cause causes hearing deficiencies. (ADDRESS HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) (ADDRESS HERE) Qualified Field Test Candidates: • Live HERE)or area the surrounding area Live in in (GENERAL La Grande LOCATION or the surrounding • Are at least 55 years of age or older • Have experienced some level of hearing difficulty, or currently wear hearing aids • Don’t currently work for a market research company Expires: March 14 2022 We have a limited supply of the GENIUS™ 4.0 3.0 test product currently on hand and ready for testing. We have also been authorized to offer significant discounts if you decide to take the hearing instruments home. If you choose not to keep them, there’s no risk or obligation of any kind. † (GENERAL LOCATION HERE) Saturday, March 12 COLLEGE WOMEN’S WRESTLING Eastern Oregon at NaIa National Invite, Jamestown, North dakota, TBa COLLEGE BASEBALL Eastern Oregon at corban, 11 a.m. Eastern Oregon at corban, 2 p.m. COLLEGE SOFTBALL British columbia at Eastern Oregon, 11 a.m. British columbia at Eastern Oregon, 1 p.m. COLLEGE WOMEN’S LACROSSE Eastern Oregon at Boise State Tournament, TBa Ronald Osterloh/Contributed Photo, File Imbler wrestling coach Doug Hislop stands with Panther grappler Garrett Burns just before the state championship competition on Feb. 29, 2020. Burns won the championship in 2020, 2021 and 2022, becoming the first Union County wrestler to win state three times. caught at the wall in right- center field to end the game. The success has been all the more impressive con- sidering the Beavers have been without two of their three weekend starters. Jake Pfennigs was pulled after two innings in his second start with an undisclosed injury and did not pitch against UC Irvine, while starter Will Frisch has not pitched this season because of an undisclosed ailment. In their absence, ace left- hander Cooper Hjerpe (3-0, 1.65 ERA) has been dom- inant, holding opposing hitters to a .203 batting average, and the defense has been near-perfect, flexing a .991 fielding percentage that ranks fourth in the nation. And, of course, the lineup continues to batter opposing pitching staffs — the Bea- vers are averaging 10.1 runs a game and rank fourth in nation in batting average (.353) and sixth in on-base percentage (.457). Oregon State begins Pac-12 play this week, when it visits Washington State at 3:05 p.m. March 11 in the opener of a three-game series in Pullman. FIELD TEST PARTICIPANTS Will be tested and selected same-day. TO PARTICIPATE: 1) You must be one of the first 15 people to call our office Mention Code: 22MarField 18AprField. 2) You will be required to have your hearing tested in our office, FREE OF CHARGE, to determine candidacy. 3) Report your results with the hearing instruments to the Hearing Care Specialist over a three week test period. Qualified candidates will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis so please call us TODAY to secure your spot in the Product Field Test. Participants who qualify and complete the product test will 1) receive a FREE $100 Restaurant.com Gift Card* as a token AprField of our thanks. 2) AVOID WAITING – CALL AND MENTION CODE: 22MarField 18AprField! *One per household. Must be 55 or older and bring loved one for familiar voice test. Must complete a hearing test. Not valid with prior test/purchase in last 6 months. While supplies last. Free gift card may be used toward the purchase of food at participating restaurants where a minimum purchase may also be required. See restaurant.com for details. Not redeemable for cash. Promotional offer available during special event dates only. † If you are not completely satisfied, the aids may be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the completion of fitting, in satisfactory condition. See store for details. 3)