Completing his first year as athletic director of The Dalles High School, Matt Morgan gave credit and offered praise to several people who have made his job easier as he transitioned into his demanding role. Wednesday evening at The Dalles Middle School, Morgan, athletic department secretary Alyson Vennewitz, along with coaches Steve Sugg, Bob Thouvenel and Jim Taylor presented plaques to award recipients.

On the track with seven 6A, seven 5A and two 4A Washington programs at the 16-team Dean Nice Invitational, The Dalles girls’ squad put up 49 points to capture fifth place in track and field action Friday in Gresham.

JR Scott went 3-1 in consolation action to pick up fifth place, and senior teammate Glenn Breckterfield went 1-2 in his final matches at the OSAA State Wrestling Championships at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland.

JR Scott endured his share of physical challenges through the wrestling season, as lingering sickness nearly derailed his state-championship hopes. As time has gone on, however, Scott is rounding into form, entering Special District 4 Wrestling Tournament in Redmond with a streak seven wins in his last eight matches.

The Dalles athletes were rewarded for their strong performances during the month of January at a ceremony last Friday at the Riverenza Cafe.

In a second and final Columbia River Conference home dual of the season, The Dalles wrestling team had a better overall performance since a 75-12 setback to Hermiston on Jan. 17, as Steven Preston, Glenn Breckterfield and JR Scott each notched victories in a 60-15 loss to Hood River Valley on senior night Wednesday at Kurtz Gym.

HOOD RIVER – When looking at the 182-pound mindscape, The Dalles junior JR Scott figures to be one of the main threats to the competition. Scott moved his overall record to 18-3 on the year, as he won all three of his matches for championship recognition at the Hood River Elks Invitational Saturday.

Hitting double digits over the past two tournaments, The Dalles wrestling squad reeled off 23 victories, 18 by pinfall, and the trio of Andrew Richman, Glenn Breckterfield and Michael Parrish picked up top-5 outcomes at the two-day Don York Invitational Tournament ending Saturday at Cleveland High School in Portland.

Steven Preston and Michael Parrish racked up a combined seven victories, five by pin, to secure top-3 placings, and The Dalles wrestling team totaled 78 points for ninth place out of 15 teams at the two-day Adrian Irwin Memorial Invitational ending Saturday in Redmond.

The Dalles wrestling team racked up 14 victories, JR Scott secured sixth place and Glenn Breckterfield added four wins on his way to a consolation championship at the two-day Muilenburg Wrestling Tournament held last weekend in La Grande. Of the 14 triumphs, the Riverhawks posted 10 pins, three decisions and a major decision, with Breckterfield supported by teammates Scott, Austin Greene and Andrew Richman, who had two wins apiece.