The Big Playback 1/17 Pt. 3: Oregon Wrestling Classic kicks off at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The 23rd Oregon Wrestling Classic got underway Friday morning at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. This premier high school wrestling tournament has drawn 100 boys and girls teams for the two-day high school event (followed on Sunday with wrestling for the younger kids).
Ten Central Oregon teams are competing, including the defending champions, the Redmond Panthers. Wrestler Mason Thynes shared the team’s motto:
“If you see on our singlet, our symbol means victory. Our motto is we’re going to come out here, perform, and win.”
For Redmond athletes, the Classic is more than just a tournament—it’s a chance to represent their wrestling community.
“We’re a wrestling town, so it’s important to show what we’ve been working for and give it our all,” Thynes said.
The Oregon Wrestling Classic demands the best from athletes, with some, like Ridgeview’s Riley Todd, competing up to eight times over the weekend.
“Our goal is to win, but also to grow as a team and a program. We want to bring more people into the program and grow as a family,” said Todd.
Bend High’s Kingston Thomas sees the Classic as a perfect opportunity to gain momentum:
“ If we continue wrestling like we did, we have a very high chance of winning it.”
The Classic is more than just a showcase of skill—it’s a vital step on the road to the state tournament. Competing against top teams sharpens skills and builds confidence for athletes across all divisions.
“It’s huge. You face a lot of these 5A teams, and you know you’ll see those same kids in the state finals. It levels up your confidence when you wrestle here,” explained Thomas.
With thousands of spectators and athletes converging on the fairgrounds, the Oregon Wrestling Classic continues to be a cornerstone event for high school wrestling in the state. The matches on Friday set the stage for a thrilling Championship Day on Saturday, where champions will be crowned, and dreams will inch closer to reality.
