Woodburn Independent Online

Lucas Randall caps unbeaten season with state title

The North Marion freshman went 41-0 this year

• By: Alex Tam 
• Published: 3/2/2010 12:48:16 PM
• Last Updated: 3/2/2010 1:07:58 PM

Photo By: Garrett RudolphLucas Randall
Lucas Randall became the first freshman in North Marion High School history to win a state wrestling title with his 5-0 victory over Siuslaw’s Jacob Graber in the 125-pound finals. Randall finished the season with a perfect 41-0 record.

PORTLAND — Lucas Randall glanced at the scoreboard following the second round of his finals match and let out a huge sigh of relief.
 
The North Marion High School freshman led by five points, and knew his first state championship was his for the taking.
 
And Randall held on in the third, capturing his first state title at 125 pounds after beating Siuslaw senior Jacob Graber by 5-0 decision at the OSAA Class 4A state wrestling championships at the Memorial Coliseum.
 
“Once I got to five, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to win this match,’” Randall said, smiling. It fulfilled a preseason goal for Randall, who has made it his ultimate goal to be a four-time state champion. He finished the season with an unblemished 41-0 record.
 
“I expected to get first,” he said. “And I’m glad that I made it.”
 
After a scoreless first round, Randall took over in the second with a near fall with 30 seconds left for a 3-0 lead. He got another near fall to end the round for a 5-0 lead, holding on from there.
 
“I just got fired up and he got worn out at the end of that round,” Randall said. “I was hoping to get a pin but his shoulders were too far off the mat.”
 
Randall was impressive throughout the entire tournament, reaching the finals after beating Henley junior Lamont Hook, who was the No. 1 seed, by fall in 5 minutes, 6 seconds in the semifinals. Hook was a state runner-up last season at 119.
 
Randall defeated Tillamook junior Wade Hall, who was the No. 4 seed, by tech fall in 5:50 in the quarterfinals, and easily beat Ontario sophomore Cade Hartley by fall in 1:42 in the first round.
 
Randall became the first freshman in North Marion school history to win a state title, and coach Mike Robinson said he is excited for what’s in store the next three years.
 
“It’s just amazing,” Robinson said. “I mean, he just has so much confidence for a kid. It’s going to be a pleasure to have him around for another three years and who knows. He’s going to set his own standard.”
 
Randall said he not only wants to win four state titles in his career, but wants to go undefeated through his four years of high school.
 
“That’s a big goal and I really hope to be undefeated through my high school career,” he said. “Doing it is almost impossible but I’m going to try my hardest. I did it my freshman year.”

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