Oakmont heavyweight off to powerful start

The first big local high school wrestling meet of the season confirmed that Anthony Patterson and the Oakmont Vikings are literally still powers to be reckoned with.Patterson, a senior heavyweight, won all five of his matches Saturday at the Keith Peterson Memorial Dual-Meet Tournament at Roseville High, helping Oakmont to a second-place overall finish. Patterson was awarded the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler in the upper weight divisions.Oakmont, which won the Pioneer Valley League championship last season, lost in the Peterson Tournament finals to Shasta 37-28, but posted wins over host Roseville (79-0), Montgomery of Santa Rosa (56-16), El Camino (69-12) and Sierra Foothill League power Rocklin (37-30).Woodcreek, led by senior Andrew Obermark (130 pounds) and junior Kyle Chalko (135), won three of its five dual matches despite not fielding a full squad. Timberwolves coach Randy Hudson said he and a few other coaches arrived expecting the tournament to feature individual competition only. This was the first year the Keith Peterson was staged as a dual-meet tournament."That's not an excuse," said Hudson, who was made aware of the new format during weigh-ins, "but it kind of puts you behind the eight ball."Oakmont coach Patrick Bussey said he knew about the change approximately a week before the tournament. He was especially pleased that his club was able to beat Rocklin. "It's the beginning of the year and we didn't get (as many athletes to try out for the team) as we wanted, but we wrestled tough. If we stay healthy, we have a chance to do well."Patterson, who weighs 265 pounds, won all of his matches by pins. He was one of three Oakmont wrestlers to go 5-0 along with Nick Diaz at 125 pounds and Shane Dooley at 152.Other top performers for the Vikings, who feature eight freshmen and sophomores, were Brandon Benvenuti (112 pounds), Brian Williams (119), and Calvin Miller (140), who won four of five matches, and Cameron Sylve (215) and Jerin Miller (130), who won three of four.For Woodcreek, Obermark improved his season record to 13-1 by winning his five matches, and Chalko won four of five. But the Timberwolves competed without 103-pound Justin Hinkle, who is out with an injured ankle.Woodcreek lost to Tokay and Shasta before beating Montgomery, Amador and Yuba City.Today the Timberwolves host a tri-match with Oakmont and Granite Bay beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday Oakmont travels to Modesto for the Western Invitational Tournament at Modesto Junior College.