By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
STAYTON, Ore.– Eli Bischoff has been on a mission this year for his senior season as a member of the Regis Wrestling squad.
Coming off a Top 6 finish in 2A/1A last season as a junior at 150 pounds, his first appearance in the State Tournament, Bischoff has taken those lessons to heart as he enters his senior season.
“Feeling how people compete at that State Tournament, my first time being there in High School, it just really pushed me to go to that next level as an athlete to compete there again this year. Hopefully I do much better,” said Bischoff.
Wrestling at 175 pounds this year as a senior, he went closed out Wednesday’s three-way dual meet with Kennedy and Santiam with a first-round pin. The Rams went 2-0 on the day, defeating the Wolverines of Santiam to start the day before defeating the Trojans in the nightcap 56-18.
The younger Bischoff credits his older brother Lucas as one of his motivators this season. Lucas Bischoff is one of the Regis assistant coaches and Eli credits Lucas in holding him accountable in making sure that he, Eli, lives up to his potential and fulfills his goals this season.
“With the help of my older brother, he’s an assistant coach. He harps on me in practice, making me go the extra mile, that’ll make me do a lot better this year,” said Eli Bischoff. “I think getting more conditioned throughout the season will help me way better.
Santiam split their two duals on Wednesday, falling to Regis in their second match before defeating Kennedy in the opening round of action in the duals at Regis High School.
For the Trojans, Bohden Sowa enters this weekend’s tournament in Dayton undefeated. Sowa and Creo Walker are returning State Qualifiers with Sowa placing fourth in the 2A/1A State Tournament at 126 pounds and stuck out to Trojan Head Coach Dewey Enos.
“(Sowa) has his goals set high. He’s all about his business. Endy, going all three rounds is big for him. From the first match to the second match, I saw a lot of growth. Creo Walker, he’s a man on a mission. He’s excited, he shows up and performs regardless if it’s win or loss. Creo and Bohden are looking to be good,” said Enos.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
