TCP; Cougars perform triumphantly at Nationals

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 14
Sports

Facing fierce competition in Des Moines, Iowa last weekend, eight Clackamas wrestlers battled for national recognition at the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center for this year’s NJCAA Championship. It was an impressive campaign against savvy opponents.

Five All-Americans surfaced from the aftermath of the strife: Sage Ornelas, C.J. Palmer, Roberts, Trent Noon and Jacob Mitchell. The five dominant wrestlers added to Josh Rhoden’s competitive coaching resume of 35 All-Americans over seven years.

Finishing third overall as a team, the Cougars maintained their reputation as a top tier team. The road to team success and individual victories was a game of patience and attrition. Ranked fourth going into the tournament, Clackamas rallied a powerful team performance.

All eight wrestlers racked up points throughout the weekend. Steve Conn, Jacob Laden and A.J. Ballard were knocked out early, but still earned team points. Sage Ornelas secured his All- American title by placing sixth in the 125 pound division; he earned nine points for the team. Despite injuries and illness, C.J. Palmer joined the top ranks with a fourth place finish in the 133 pound division.

“Palmer did very well. He got tonsillitis Thursday and still competed, he’s really mentally tough,” said Rhoden.

Palmer battled through shoulder injuries as well, earning 17 team points.

Beau Roberts displayed the tenacity of Clackamas wrestlers. He bested four opponents on his way to the finals.

“It was a real good experience, a lot of good competition and tough wrestlers,” said Roberts. “I knew I had to get in there and battle. I was ranked amongst the top kids that were in my weight class and I knew it was going to be tough all the way through.”

The championship match in the 149 pound division pitted Roberts against Josh Tardy of Harper College. Roberts initiated the action with a takedown after a measured feeling out process. Roberts had a one point lead at the end of the first round.

Beginning round two, Roberts secured a two point takedown, but Tardy scrambled to bring his score up to five quickly. With Tardy leading 5-4, Roberts regained momentum with a reversal, garnering a 6-5 lead at the end of round two.

Round three began methodically with back and forth hand fighting. Tardy was awarded a point for Roberts going out of bounds. Gaining advantage over Roberts, Tardy finished the match with two more points.

“He just hesitated a little bit, gave up a takedown, came back and got an escape. It was a good match but a tough loss,” said Rhoden. Roberts lost 7-6, but nabbed second place in the 149 pound division, earning All- American honors and 18 team points.

“Losing at the end was real tough,” said Roberts. “I wanted it so bad. It’s almost worse having it right there in your grasp. The one thing that is good about it is it keeps me hungry.”

Trent Noon blazed through the 174 pound division, pinning three out of four opponents on his way to the final match.

“The first round and a half of the semis was toughest. Midway through the second round the other guy got tired and broke so I put him on his back and pinned him,” said Noon. “He had the first takedown, besides the quarters and finals the other guys got the first takedowns.”

Noon had no trouble securing a two point takedown in the final match against Chanse Menendez. Menendez grabbed a high single leg, but Noon demonstrated impeccable balance and flexibility defending the takedown attempt.

Menendez tried for more takedowns and was routinely shut down throughout the match. With a considerable amount of standing wrestling, the match was calculated and defensive. Noon snatched a couple impressive two point takedowns during round three and won 9-5 in a dominating display.

Noon achieved his year-long goal of becoming national champion at 174 pounds, while also accruing 26 points for the team.

“I knew that I could do it,” said Noon. “I didn’t think about it, took it one match at a time. I didn’t even look at the bracket.”

Jacob Mitchell ended the Cougars run through the competition at 285 pounds versus Yaseen Mudassar of Nassau Community College. Mitchell used his height advantage against the shorter, stockier Mudassar, avoiding takedowns and controlling distance.

The two behemoths locked arms, vying for head control. The match was a clinic of defense and exhibition of strength by Mitchell. With 15 seconds remaining, Mitchell pitched a two-point takedown and won 3-2, to become the heavyweight national champion. Mitchell contributed 23 team points, edging Clackamas into third place with 97.5 points.

The Cougars were satisfied in the end with another solid placing at nationals. It is the third straight year that Clackamas has finished in the top four nationally as a team.

“The week went good. Three of us were in the finals and two of us won,” said Mitchell. “It was fun. All that hard work paid off.”

“Our team stepped up at the end and everyone did their part,” added Roberts. “As a team I feel like we really came together, third place was really gratifying.”

Complete event results are available at: www.trackwrestling. com.

TCP: Wrestling with fate: Cougars eye Nationals

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 13
Sports

A heat wave originating in Oregon City will blast east this week as the Cougar wrestling team prowls toward another NJCAA championship title shot. The NJCAA National wrestling tournament takes place Feb. 22 and 23 at Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center in Des Moines, Iowa. It will be the biggest challenge of the year for eight outstanding Clackamas team members.

“It’s been an up and down year for the team, but that’s not a good indicator for nationals,” said head coach Josh Rhoden. “I like all our spots in the brackets.” The Cougars won the 2011 NJCAA title and finished fourth last season.

“At Wyoming we went two and three as a team,” said heavyweight Jacob Mitchell about last month’s Western Wyoming Duels.

“Last practice is highlight of the season,” said Mitchell, in between rounds in the mat room last week. The fearless Cougar looks forward to the upcoming national competition with optimistic enthusiasm for himself and teammates.

“I’m going to take first and I think we can as team,” said Mitchell. “Me, C.J. and Trent, I think will be national champs and a lot of people could place higher or win it.” Fueling the team fire this season has been Steve “The Heater” Conn in the 184 pound division.

“Steve was on the heater and just kept winning,” said Mitchell of his teammate’s performance. Conn won in dramatic fashion at Pacific University in Forest Grove last month.

“The match versus Pacific, I was losing 8 to 2 and I pinned the guy. The whole team went nuts after I pinned the guy, it was nice to celebrate as a team,” said Conn. “This is my first time going to nationals in the lineup. I’m hoping to go All- American. I’m just going to take it one match at a time.”

Rhoden is impressed with Conn’s work ethic and improvement. “Steve Conn has come on really strong as of late, he figured out how to get wins and be successful,” said Rhoden. “We could easily have eight All-Americans this year.”

Speaking of All-American wrestlers, Trent Noon, the No. 1 ranked wrestler at 174 pounds will descend on the competition Friday. Noon sets a good example for the team and team chemistry seems to be in good supply at Clackamas.

“During wrestling season it’s just school and practice,” said Noon. “Everyone on the team is really close.”

Wrapping up an impressive personal wrestling season, Noon looks forward to nationals with high hopes.

“My only losses this season were to one junior college guy and the others were Division I wrestlers,” said Noon. “I learned and gained a lot as a wrestler. I plan on taking it one match at a time. Everyone has to beat me, I don’t have to beat them.” He sees victory in the cards for the team as well.

“We’ll get the win as long as everyone keeps their heads down and gets to it,” said Noon.

On Friday the weigh-ins start at 7:30 a.m. and the first matches begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Saturday the weigh-ins start at 9:30 a.m., with competition starting at 10:30 a.m. and going until awards and final presentations later in the evening. The Cougars will have an action packed weekend and are sure to stand out among the other teams at the competition.

The full team this weekend with weight classes includes: Sage Ornelas at 125, C.J. Palmer at 133, Beau Roberts at 149, A.J. Ballard at 157, Trent Noon at 174, Steve Conn at 184, Jacob Laden at 197 and Jacob Mitchell at 285. The stacked squad will be a force to reckon with this weekend as they are fired up for victory. A video feed will be available the day of the event at www. njcaatv.org.

TCP; Curling heats up the ice

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 12
Arts & Culture

Large granite stones can be heard roaring across newly laid ice in Beaverton. Rumbling like far off thunder, the gliding stones were guided along a sparkling path of melting ice. Sweeping the path were two focused teammates, carefully augmenting the stone’s trajectory from their thrower teammate’s launch.

A pole was held by a fourth teammate as a marker for the thrower. The marker was held askew to the target area in order to allow the curl of the stone to overshoot off towards the intended area.

“It cost $400,000 to build the rink, mostly acquired through donations from members and grants,” said Joe Petsche, promotions director for Evergreen Curling Club. The specially designed rink brought state of the art sliding technology to Oregon in December of last year.

“A Zamboni doesn’t do the ice any justice for curling,” said Petsche. “We use a machine called an Ice King to smooth the ice, then we sprinkle water on the ice to create a pebbling effect over the surface. A tool called a nipper is then used to level the tops of the pebbled water droplets. Only 20 to 30 percent of the stone touches the ice.”

Curling consists of sliding stones across the ice to get close to the center of the target called the “button,” each team has eight stones. The team with the stone closest to the button wins the “end” or round. The winners tally up one point per rock between the button and opposing team’s rock.

“Strategy plays a big part,” said Petsche. The game winner is the team with the most points after 10 ends.

The Evergreen Curling Club opened in 2002 at Mountain View Ice Arena where it ran for four years. The club then moved to the Lloyd Center ice skating rink and after six years, finally has an ideal playing surface at their new location in Beaverton at 10950 SW 5th Street.

“It’s the only dedicated curling rink on the West Coast besides Seattle,” said club member Eugene Caroll. Evergreen women’s and men’s competitive teams both won at this year’s Mountain Pacific Curling Association Regional championships.

The club welcomes newcomers and novices with multiple league types, the friendly atmosphere is comfortable and casual. It seems a splendid idea for a weekend adventure out and about with friends.

“There’s no heckling,” said Caroll. “We don’t have curling hooligans.” The game is ancient in origin, as it was devised in the late middle ages in Scotland and was recently added to the winter Olympic Games as an official sport.

“It’s the other stupid Scottish game, along with golf,” said Caroll. As with a few other Scottish games, a congratulatory drink is often in order for the winners and losers. This after game socialization is referred to as “stacking the brooms.”

“It’s a pub game,” said curling enthusiast and Highland Stillhouse pub owner Mick Secor. “It’s a gentlemanly sport, but it gets pretty heated and exciting if you watch curling.”

The best way to learn more about curling is to play with veterans of the game. At about two hours a course, instructors have led many a session for beginning curlers. Terminology and basics were covered, including how to throw a stone and sweeping technique.

Bundled up for the cooler conditions, groups have discovered the delightful social game of curling. The next winter session will be held this Saturday at 1 p.m. and costs $20 with all equipment.

TCP; Jiu Jitsu rolls in to Randall Gym

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb. 06 2013
Volume 46, Issue 11
Arts & Culture

The first Northwest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship exhibited a vast variety of martial prowess Saturday at Randall Hall. The CCC wrestling team members were there to help run the event to raise money for their team.

“We were able to raise $1,000 for the team,” said Matt Lindland, one of the event organizers.

Urmas Yanis made his amateur Mixed Martial Arts debut last month at Rumble at the Roseland. With a quick trip takedown of his opponent, the Clackamas grappler did what he loves best.

“I love to throw!” said Yanis.

Narrowly escaping a last minute “triangle” submission hold, Yanis won a gold medal for first place in his weight class. He prepared for another match, this time in the “Absolute” division, which was an open weight class.

“I had four matches in the white belt 149-pound division,” said Yanis. “I just started to do Jiu Jitsu a week before my fight and now I’m competing in it. A lot of people are complaining though, saying I should be intermediate, but it is my first time, so I can’t help it.”

It was the last few minutes of the event, the wrestling team was rolling up the mats and other event staff carried off construction cones and ring tape. Tables were folded and equipment was packed, hardly any spectators remained.

“Yanis is an animal,” said event staff Bruce Elliott.

Against a larger opponent, Yanis wasted no time in securing a takedown. Yanis tried to gain a better position on the ground, but they both stood up. The elder gentleman, with his head shaved, launched a takedown of his own, but Yanis quickly reversed the situation.

The match was a battle of strength versus speed; the larger fellow had great success pushing Yanis’ head down using both hands. Yanis executed his specialty move: a well timed throw, vaulting his opponent over the hip. The match progressed at a similar rate with takedown shots by Yanis and good head control from his opponent. As the official signal was given for the end of the match, the referee held up Yanis’ hand and spoke in Portuguese awarding Yanis victory in the traditional BJJ way.

It was Yanis’ last match of the day, and another successful battle in a new sport for him. You can read about Yanis’ cage fight at www.theclackamasprint. com.

The championship drew a large crowd to campus all day, drawing in many competitors from different gyms in the surrounding Portland Metro and areas all over the Pacific Northwest. Competition began at 9:30 a.m. and extended past 6:30 in the evening. From children to adults, separate weight divisions, all experience levels from professional fighters to first time competitors, Gi and No-Gi. The day was packed full of action.

The Gi is a uniform in martial arts, the name is from the Japanese language and different variations of the uniform are worn by traditional martial artists. NWBJJ features Gi and No-Gi divisions. No-Gi means the competitors wear shorts and T-shirts and may not grab, or hold on to clothing while grappling. Gi competitors may use either their own uniform or opponent’s to secure a choke or simply gain leverage. Gi colors are usually white, blue or black.

With the only green uniform in the room, Lindland competed in the Gi competition.

Matt Lindland also competed in the championship. A well decorated wrestler and mixed martial artist, Lindland has faced many of the most dangerous men in combat sports. He is an Olympic silver medalist and currently runs Team Quest Mixed Martial Arts gym in Gresham. Lindland wrestled for Clackamas when he was in college as well.

Lindland, a professional mixed martial arts fighter, is a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu. His opponent, also a purple belt, gave him a very difficult time. Lindland was able to mount some impressive wrestling style offense, but was foiled every time by his opposing competitor. Using leverage and technique to his advantage, Lindland’s opponent attempted a collar choke.

With the uniform tightly grasped, he gained more leverage and reversed the position in his favor. The referee signaled the end of the match, Lindland had lost by points to his younger opponent. Beaten but not defeated, Lindland had set a good example as a sportsman by helping bring Jiu Jitsu to Oregon City and supporting the Clackamas wrestling team in the process.

“We had 240 people sign up,” said Lindland. “The whole idea was to bring the Jiu Jitsu community together, with the wrestlers too.”

The event successfully drew many skilled competitors who will likely return for future events. Two more BJJ competitions will unfold later this year and with so many in attendance this time, the next is sure to be even more popular.

“The first one is going to have growing pains, but it’s going to be a great event as it matures,” said Elliott.

Full competition results are set to be posted on nwbjj.com, the official event website.

TCP; Reptile expo slithers to Wilsonville

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb. 06, 2013
Volume 46, Issue 11
Arts & Culture

Broods of reptiles, amphibians and insects infested the Portland Metro Reptile Expo, slithering and crawling into the Wilsonville Holiday Inn last Saturday. Following the reptilian rampage was a horde of lizard enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Treated to exotic sights and experiences, the expo crowd had their hands full with excitement and an eagerness to see amazing creatures around every table corner.

The Northwest Reptile Expo runs three times a year. The Jan. 26 Portland Metro meet up marked the 13th presentation since the semi-annual event began. This installment seemed to be packed with more vendors, using twice as much of the hotel’s space compared to prior events. More people were present than in expos past as well, extending a giant anaconda of a ‘hand-stamp’ line through the hotel.

The parking lot was crammed with visitors’ vehicles. No spots remained open for long. Lining the curbs that surrounded resident trees and bushes were cars squeezed bumper to bumper. Trucks pulling trailers loaded and unloaded equipment and creatures in the back entrance lot.

Snakes wove through the crowd, wrapped around their owners’ necks, getting an up close and personal view of the event. Despite the advertising specifically instructing that all personal pets be left at home, brave expo goers brandished their reptilian friends proudly. No one seemed to mind toting the creatures, as they produced positive and sometimes timid reactions from each encounter.

Inside, the loud and bustling atmosphere was kept lighthearted and comfortable by the cheerful vendors. They helpfully educated the masses about their scaly companions, cautioning them of dangers and specifications while also showcasing the beauty of the different species. One helpful vendor even taught a mother and daughter how to handle and take care of their soon-to-be new pet snake.

“It does seem like a lot of responsibility,” said Tanya Wellbrook, mother of three. The duties of owning an exotic pet can be very daunting and require keen attention to habitat, food and general health of the animal. The expo experts were well versed in explaining scaly precautions, unfamiliar from needs of furry companions.

Reptile-inspired jewelry was available for purchase at a handful of tables across the venue. Pet food ranging from crickets, worms and mice were being doled out for hungry critters.

At a table selling insects and spiders, a game of Plinko was offered. For the price of a dollar, contestants had the opportunity to drop a ball in the game board and win candy, or if they were really lucky, roaches! Yes, people buy pet roaches. While not everyone can appreciate such an odd pet, some find the durable bugs quite fascinating.

“Yeah, they can survive a nuclear war but not a water dish,” said Mark Foster, a young vendor at the spider table.

Don’t forget, even lizards need doctors. A vet offering free checkups was posted at the event. Different supplies, lights and decorations were stocked at various vendors. Heat rocks, heat pads heat lamps were displayed, available for purchase. Terrariums of every size, food dishes and boxes of merchandise decorated the tables. On a few table tops were beautifully sinister looking carnivorous plants. The only thing missing from the meat- eating jungle scene, was a sign reading: “Feed me, Seymour!”

Flocks of children ran around with their parents close behind. Peering inside cages and terrariums, they soaked up the information. The temperature inside the hotel was very warm, it seemed the heat was turned up for the cold blooded reptiles, or all the heat lamps mixed with body heat resonated the warmth.

After 2 p.m. some of the vendors began marking down prices by 10 to 20 percent. It was an obviously successful day for the Expo and the vendors. With so many attendees and available products at Saturday’s expo, future events are likely to have similar success. Speaking of which, they’ll be back in Wilsonville this year on Aug. 17.

TCP; The grass is greener at Trail's End

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 11
Sports

An outdoor sport such as golf may not be the first thing that comes to mind for many people in the winter, especially with the reminder of snow and ice sports featured in the winter Olympics. Some of the U.S. may be covered in ice and snow, but not Oregon City so far. Luckily, there is a place for locals to enjoy sport and socialize without driving to Timberline or Ski Bowl.

John McLoughlin would have been proud of the Trails End Golf Center. An important figure in Oregon City’s history, McLoughlin was also of Scottish descent. The Scots are credited with the invention of golf. Historic Oregon City’s driving range brings the community together much like the good old doctor.

Built in 2000, the facility is located on 20 acres at 1107 Abernethy Rd., behind Home Depot. The red barn style of the building hints toward the cozy down-home atmosphere of the friendly clubhouse. Upon entering, patrons find concessions, a pool table, ping pong and TV. Rob Johnson is a regular at the driving range. He enjoys honing his skills at Trails End.

“I come here around once a week,” said Johnson.  “It’s not too far from my house and it’s never really busy.”

The 45 covered hitting stalls are built for the inclement conditions of Oregon. Outdoor heaters keep golfers from getting too cold and the overhead enclosure protects from wind and rain. Open seven days a week, Trails End Golf welcomes pro and new golfers alike 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Professional golfer Mark Landes is one of the on-site instructors at Trails End. Landes has been a golf instructor for 25 years. He has been a writer for Inside Golf Magazine, Mental Golf and co-host of the TV show Golf in Central Oregon. Landes teaches individual and group lessons. Beginning lessons start in April. Brian Elledge is one of the friendly faces often found at Trail’s End.

“I’ve been a long-time student of Mark’s,” said Elledge. “This place has the coldest beer in town, pool, ping pong, heated mats, in-house clubs and ladies days $6 a bucket on Wednesdays. Tuesdays are $2 beer nights. ”
Landes graciously welcomes every patron and proudly represents the friendly atmosphere. 

“(Trails End is) laid back, low key,” said Landes. He enjoys sharing his love of the sport with others.

“I’m writing a book about the inner game of golf,” Landes said. “I love writing. I’m gonna start my own golf schools and golf retreats.”

The driving range also features a putting greens area for practicing short game. However, the feeling of striking a ball way out into the field is a gratifying one. Working on the long game can be a good way to get frustrations out and then relax in the cozy atmosphere.

Trail’s End is a great place to enjoy the outdoors while still staying warm during the cold winter months. It’s one of OC’s best meeting places for groups of friends and a great family environment as well. Their staff is available to answer questions and arrange lessons, etc., at (503) 723-6811.

TCP; Cougars rumble at the Roseland *WEB EXCLUSIVE*

This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.

David Beasley, Associate Sports Editor
Wednesday, Feb. 05, 2013
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Sports

Marching along the warrior’s path, two mighty prodigies stepped up to defend Clackamas’ honor in the cage on Saturday, Jan. 19. Rumble at The Roseland no. 69, presented by the Full Contact Fighting Federation. At 6 p.m., droves of fight enthusiasts began filling the building, anticipating the 7 p.m. start.

Taekwondo black belt Brogan Stewart-Ng fights in the 155 pound division. Originally from Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, he was a national Taekwondo champion and alternate for Australia's Olympic team. He wrestles in the 157 pound division for CCC and recently joined Team Quest in Gresham, one of the most prominent mixed martial arts gyms in the nation.

“I also did amateur boxing in Australia,” said Stewart-Ng.

Urmas Yanis wrestles in the 125 or 133 pound division for Clackamas and fights in the 135 pound division in the cage. Yanis wrestled for North Salem high school where he was the team captain during his junior and senior years. “I’m a thrower,” said Yanis. He and Stewart-Ng trained at Team Quest together in preparation for the fights.

As the crowd milled around, they made themselves at home. The hum of the bustle was interrupted by booming speakers crackling, reminding everyone to avoid throwing things in the cage and requesting no flash photography. Introductions were made and the fights were underway.

The first fight of the night featured the 131 pound division. True to his name, Bob ‘Gunslinger’ Graisbery blazed forward firing punches and a spinning kick at his opponent Derek Neff. Graisbery secured a rear choke after a quick takedown and punches, winning in 47 seconds of round one via tap out.

Eyes wide with excitement, the fight fans were still in awe from the quick opening battle when fight number two hit the cage. At 205 pounds, Zane Robinson defeated Grant Harman, going the distance through all three rounds and earning a unanimous decision. Fight number three was a heavyweight match between Sam Sprauer who pummeled a downed Richard Ryan earning a TKO victory at 2:03 of round one.

The 141 pound division brought Chance Stamps and James Wade to match number four. Stamps wasted no time in taking the fight down and controlling his opponent to secure a TKO victory by strikes on the ground at 58 seconds of the first round.

If it was a movie, the title would read: Enter the Cougar! CCC wrestler Stewart-Ng climbed the cage stairs and stepped inside to face a very intense Reuben ‘T1000’ Heath.

Stewart-Ng started the match with two textbook takedown attempts, but Heath recovered after each. Bouncing up and down in true Taekwondo style, Stewart-Ng stayed light on his feet. Moving deftly around the cage, controlling range and rhythm of the fight, he fired off pinpoint strikes, solid knees and traded punches with Heath.

While momentarily clinched against the cage, Heath attempted foot stomps. Stewart-Ng broke away from the cage, continuing to bounce and staying relaxed. Out of nowhere he launched a killer head kick, partially blocked by a lucky Heath. In a highlight reel moment, Stewart-Ng executed a spinning back kick to the head of his bewildered opponent. The flashy technique sent a roar of applause through the crowd during the last moments of round one.

“Set it up with the hands,” said Stewart-Ng’s corner, Cody Isaacson, between rounds. The corner is a fighter’s cage side coach, helping with strategy and looking out for the fighter’s health between rounds and during the fight.

Starting off round two, Stewart-Ng fired off another solid head kick which Heath partially blocked.

“More jab, please,” Isaacson called out. The fighters exchanged more strikes and Heath landed a strong head punch. Leg kicks by Stewart-Ng taunted Heath who pressed forward, closed the distance and assumed cage pressure. Heath grappled for a takedown which Stewart-Ng fought off, but on the way back up, Stewart-Ng caught a knee to the head. The bell signaled the end of round two.

As round three began, Stewart-Ng dropped for a double leg takedown and was successful. He gained top control and flattened out his waning opponent with strikes on the ground. One final punch ended the night for Heath at 1:59 of round three and earned Stewart-Ng a KO win for his mixed martial arts debut.

“He did very well,” said Isaacson after the fight, “he used good stand up and we thought he did well against the fence so we went to wrestling and found the advantage.”

With his left eye swollen from a hard strike, Stewart-Ng made his way backstage.

“My vision was all blurry,” said an excited Stewart-Ng. “I was seeing two of him at one point; it was hard to focus on where he was. I’m not used to guys just throwing haymakers. I’m used to striking it out at a more measured pace. I was confident with my strikes, but I wanted to show I had wrestling too.”
The fights continued to energize the crowd as a pair of 155 pounders battled it out for three rounds; John Baker won decisively with a unanimous decision against Nelson Hernandez.

At a catchweight of 175 pounds, Michael ‘Gumby’ Delgado, handed Josiah Wessel his first loss with a tenaciously secured arm bar to force the tap out at 1:46 of round three.

Using well timed strikes and solid grappling techniques, 205 pounder Emmanuel Cammarata won his three round US debut against Nate Cook via unanimous decision.

Prowling the edge of the cage was yet another Clackamas Cougar, hungry for battle. Yanis pounced into the cage bearing his fangs at his opponent. David Magliane stood across the cage, prepared and waiting.

The cage closed and the 135 pounders were let loose by the referee. Yanis shot in for a single leg takedown to set the pace for the round. The fight continued to escalate as both fighters battled tenaciously. Towards the end of the round, Yanis wrapped his arms around his opponent from behind and launched a devastating slam takedown. Yanis finished out round one decisively with excellent standing punches.

Round two began with a leg kick by Magliane. Against the cage, a knee by Yanis gave Magliane an opportunity to reverse the position in his favor. Magliane tripped Yanis and launched a ground attack, but was kicked off. Yanis latched on to Magliane’s back again, they battled for position, but Yanis gained leverage, unleashed a flurry of strikes on the ground and attempted a rear choke as round two closed.

Yanis shot quickly grabbing a double leg takedown, beginning the final round, he secured top control and jumped to his feet just to grab Magliane’s back again. With better position and leverage than previous attempts, Yanis fired punches in bunches at his increasingly defenseless opponent until the official stepped in to declare Yanis winner by technical knockout at 1:27 of round three.

“I felt pretty good, my striking was there,” said Yanis. “I like taking peoples backs, I planned the slam.”
Next, Tyree Fortune defeated Paul Sims by TKO at 1:10 of round two becoming the the new FCFF heavyweight champion.

Shaking the house, Ricky Alcaraz won the FCFF super heavyweight championship against Brandon Flint by TKO at 2:19 of round one.

The headline bout of the event was a siege of combat that took place up, down, against the cage and everywhere in between. Katie Howard showed excellent poise in overcoming her opponent, Kyra Batara. Batara proved to be a very solid fighter during the five round fight. The fight was the highlight of the night and was the fastest paced. Congratulated by resounding cheers from the crowd, Howard was awarded a unanimous decision by the judges and became the new FCFF women's junior flyweight champion.

At the end of the night, the Clackamas wrestlers took home a win each, honoring their wrestling team and coach. All their hard work and dedication in training had paid off.

“Special thanks to coach Josh Rhoden,” said Stewart-Ng. March 9 is the next scheduled FCFF event, but no upcoming fights have been set for the Clackamas Cougar pair. They have both stated their intentions of competing in the cage again soon.