By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
Cash Donnell’s sophomore season was already off to a tremendous start.
This weekend, Donnell took it to another level.
The 113-pounder compiled a 5-0 record en route to claiming first place at the prestigious and ultra-competitive Geary Invitational.
“You ask anyone who has wrestled in the state of Oklahoma, it’s a huge deal to place, and to win it means you’re in the same conversation as guys that have gone on to win NCAA championships and gold medals,” Piedmont head coach Erik Ford said.
Donnell’s path wasn’t easy. He beat the top-ranked wrestler in 6A, the No. 2 wrestler in 6A in the semifinals and 5A No. 1 Gerald Harris of Collinsville in the finals.
“To win it as a sophomore, it’s a very impressive feat,” Ford said.
Donnell is the first sophomore from Piedmont to win a title at Geary and only the second wrestler in program history to win a championship there. Current OU wrestler Josh Heindselman won his weight class in Geary as a senior.
Now 23-0 on the season, Donnell should be ranked No. 1 in 6A when the new rankings are released.
Piedmont’s only other wrestler to make the podium was Makavelli Ramirez who placed fifth at 195 pounds. Ramirez narrowly missed a higher finish.
“He dropped some tough matches. You get in a 50-50 match and unfortunately somebody has to lose,” Ford said.
Overall, Ford was pleased with the team’s effort though that didn’t result in top finishes.
“We wrestled well. It went much better than expected. It was the best tournament of the year for us,” he said.
Next up, Piedmont travels to the Carl Albert Tournament Friday and Saturday.
“Coming off of Geary and that competition, Carl Albert is a good reset,” Ford said. “We should have a chance to go and bring home some medals.”
