Published: January 12, 2009 08:44 am      

Pollard wins at Murdale Invitational

Staff Report

CARBONDALE — The Mt. Vernon Rams wrestling team traveled to Carbondale Saturday for the 48th Annual Murdale Invitational wrestling tournament. Rams junior Torrey Pollard captured the championship at the 189-pound weight class.

“The competition was outstanding,” said Rams’ coach Scott Tickner. “I'm very happy for Torrey. He had an excellent day.”

Teammates Blake Stricklin (130) and junior Blake Fields (285) brought home third-place medals, while Dustin Cole (215) finished in the medals with fifth-place.

"We have been going to this tournament for 31 years and this is the toughest field I can remember,” said Tickner.

Murphysboro won the meet with 205 points. Belleville East was second with 185 points, followed by Chatham Glenwood (177), Carbondale (152.5) and Cahokia (146.5) rounding out the top five.

The Rams finished inside the top 10 with a ninth-place showing and 84 points.

The Rams (5-3) return to dual meet action Tuesday, at home against Harrisburg and then travel to Benton to take on the unbeaten Rangers on Wednesday. Both matches start at 6:30 p.m.