PORTLAND – Jeffrey Conklin solidified his legacy as one of the Cottage Grove wrestling greats last weekend, finishing off his undefeated (52-0) season. No. 1 Conklin took down Sweet Home’s No. 5 Tytus Hardee 7-5 to win the Class 4A boys 132-pound title at the OSAA State Championships.
The title comes after an incredible season that was the product of a six-year coaching relationship.
“It’s nice to feel it pay off, I worked really hard,” Conklin said. “I want to thank my parents and my coach Charlie Kent, who’s been there every step of the way since I was in fifth grade.”
For Kent, the gratitude is mutual.
“He’s a special kid. He beat my eighth graders when he was in fifth grade,” Kent said. “He just defines passion. He’s the kid that’s there early every time we get to practice doing the hours that nobody sees, and it’s pure and awesome.”
Hardee kept Conklin on the ropes until late in the match. Conklin trailed 5-4 late in the second period before getting the game-sealing takedown.
Even while trailing, Conklin still had no doubt, he said.
“I knew I had time. A point’s not a big deal, I just knew I had to keep wrestling,” Conklin said.
This was Conklin’s mindset all season. Despite facing tough competition all season, Conklin never questioned his ability to win every match.
“He had zero doubt that he was going to go undefeated this year,” Kent said bluntly. “He faced adversity throughout the season, he beat the number one 6A kid (Isaiah Snyder). This was his year and he had no doubt, even when I sometimes did a little bit.”
The Cottage Grove boys finished 14th in Class 4A at the state championships and the girls finished 30th. Conklin was the lone placer on the boys side while Boston Kent (135) placed third for the girls.
Going forward, coaches Charli and wife Christina Kent look to improve upon this season. They had a young team this year, and next season could offer an opportunity with more experience.
“Next year, we’ve got a young, hungry pride of Lions,” Kent said. “They see the success because success is in the room.”
