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2025 Muilenburg Wrestling Tournament

December 12-14

La Grande High School Gym

708 K Ave. La Grande, OR 2nd Street Gymnasium Entrance

Admission:

Tournament pass:

Adults: $15

Seniors: $12

Students: $10

Daily pass:

Adults: $9

Seniors: $7

If you would like to advertise in this program next year

please contact:

La Grande High School

Attn: Klel Carson

708 K Avenue, La Grande, OR 97850 email klel.carson@lagrandesd.org

Students: $6 Brian Muilenburg

Schedule of Events

Entry Fee:

• $350.00 each team. Rosters with less than 10 participants will cost $30 per wrestler. Entry fee is due Dec. 5. Any team that does not submit payment prior to the deadline will forfeit their participation in the tournament. Mail checks to: La Grande High School, 708 K Ave, La Grande, OR 97850. (Memo: Muilenburg Tournament).

Weigh-ins:

• First weigh-in 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13 (National High School Rule Book weights).

• Second weigh-in 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

*If your team is wrestling on the day before the tournament, please let us know immediately so we may let all schools know if there is a weight allowance.

Roster:

• Final team rosters and seeding information must be entered in trackwrestling by 7 p.m. PST Thursday, Dec. 12.

• No changes will be accepted after 7 p.m. PST Thursday.

• A username and password will be e-mailed to each coach.

• Please notify the head table of any scratches to the roster you sent for the seeding meeting upon arrival.

Coaches Meeting: Friday, 12:30 p.m. AV Auditorium.

Hospitality Room: Coaches and Officials only.

Wrestling Begins: 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 • 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14

Awards:

• Top four wrestlers in each weight division. Place winners are asked to stay in uniform for awards.

• The Place Winners presentation will occur after the final match for each weight division.

• First and second place team trophy.

• Outstanding wrestler after a vote by head coaches.

Format:

• Teams will be allowed 2 scorers per weight class. JV and Varsity wrestlers will be in brackets together.

• If you have more than two wrestlers in a weight class, designate who your scorers are on your roster.

General Information:

• Please assist our custodial staff and ask your wrestlers and spectators to pick up after themselves.

• Concessions will be available all day to wrestlers and spectators.

• All school buses and school issued vehicles should park on H Ave along the North side of the street.

Admission Prices:

• Tournament pass: $15 for adults, $12 seniors, $10 for students.

• Daily pass: $9 for adults, $7 seniors, $6 for students.

Contact Info:

Tournament Director: Matt Wolcott, matt.wolcott@lagrandesd.org

LHS Athletic Director: Darren Goodman, Fax (541) 663-3413, Ph (541) 663-3305

December 19, 1957 - August 8, 1978

Good luck

Bragen and Bryler anderson!

Bragen - these last 17+ years have been nothing short of amazing with you!

I am so proud of who you are as an athlete and more importantly, who you are as a human.

I hope you have the best senior year!

Go chase those dreams and conquer those goals.

I love you and will be there every step of the way cheering you on!!

Elgin Electric

We offer a wide selection of top-quality kitchen appliances, including ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators, as well as laundry appliances such as washers and dryers.

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff, customers can expect personalized assistance in choosing the perfect appliance to suit their needs and specifications.

Elgin Electric 43 N 8th St • Elgin, OR

As a local realtor committed to strengthening our community, it’s a privilege to support LHS Wrestling and the long-standing tradition of the Brian Muilenburg Wrestling Tournament.

I am proud of the hard work these athletes put in, and I’m cheering for every Tiger on the mat today, with a special shout-out to my nephews, Bragen and Bryler. Tigers Roll!

‘A Six Minute Man’ A Wrestling Story of Struggle, Sacrifice and Success

By KIRSTEN R. CALKINS

W

e often tell the stories of wrestlers on this website - their ups and downs and everything in between as they strive for success. But what about those who love them? What about the people who deeply feel those highs and lows every step of the way?

Kirsten Calkins hasn’t stepped on the mat to compete, but she has experienced wrestling at many levels over the years. She takes us on a journey from her childhood where she began hating the sport through watching her son battle for a championship at the New York State tournament a few weeks ago.

It’s an amazing story that wrestling families everywhere will relate to and recognize.

I was born with a basketball in my hands and it didn’t matter that I was a girl. My father was a collegiate point guard and a high school basketball coach. I grew up in a gym shooting hoops. When someone mentioned wrestling, I would just shake my head. It was the “other” winter sport, for the less sensible. I hated it.

Those grapplers were the enemy. During my dad’s practices, they would stampede up and down the stairs making the basketball plays inaudible. Their sticky bodies would drop sweat and blood on the ground. “Mean” was written all over their faces. In high school English class, I sat next to a wrestler who would spit into a cup every 30 seconds. I hated them.

Then in college, something went terribly wrong. I fell in love with the “enemy.” Surely this was a cruel joke? Suddenly, I was asked to appreciate the only sport that I despised. To keep the peace, I pretended. I watched my fiancé suffer from an injury that ended his Division I career. They said he would never wrestle again. He did, but was sent to Division III. Year after year, he would magically turn a 220-pound physique, into a 190-pound body. From November to March, I would eat and he would stare. His senior year, he missed becoming an All-American by one stinking match. He left college disappointed. I hated wrestling.

Five years later, something went terribly, terribly wrong...again. I gave birth to a BOY. My father immediately arrived with a basketball, and my husband promptly threw it into the yard for the dogs to destroy. There would be no talk of basketball in our house. Over and over I heard, “There is only one true sport.” I would roll my eyes. I hated wrestling.

Much to my chagrin, my son began to wrestle, barely out of Pull-Ups. He showed promise...until his first match. Full of false confidence, he went out on the mat and was pinned in 15 seconds. He stood up in defeat, trying to keep a stiff upper lip as sadness poured down his face. I hated wrestling.

After a few years, the unhappy faces showed up less often and smiles started to emerge. Yet, I still watched in total agony. The expectations became greater and the losses were felt deeper, especially when you were supposed to win. Even with a trophy in hand, mistakes were still noted. No one was ever satisfied. I hated wrestling.

Then there was “The Injury Year” – unrecognizable smashed finger, stitched lip #1, stitched lip #2, black eyes, internal bruising, blown out knee #1, blown out knee #2 and a pulled bicep, during a state semi-final match, that helped send my son to the consolations. Afterwards, his disappointed face looked into mine, “Mom, why does this keep happening to me?” I didn’t have an answer. I hated wrestling.

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. My son decided that he had a dream to chase - a state title. I watched my child give up outings with his teenage friends, a starting spot on the soccer team and all his free weekends. He would drive 2 hours, each way, to find a wrestler that could beat him up. He would go from wrestling practice,

directly to the weight room. And most horrifying of all, he gave up video games. His friends didn’t understand him anymore. He was alone. I hated wrestling.

At my son’s final high school match, I watched helplessly as he stepped up to the center stage, teetering on the edge of that state championship mat. There was nothing I could do, other than sit in agony one last time. So few know what it means to give up a “normal” life for a 6-minute match. I grimaced, surrounded by fans of wrestling and TV cameras analyzing every move. To them, my son’s dreams were just part of a show. I stared loathingly at them all. I hated wrestling.

Then something miraculous occurred, a victory. Thinking back on all the times that I had visualized this spectacular moment, I never imagined that my son would just stand there, barely a smile crossing his face. At the final whistle, I had expected leaps of joy and a million fist pumps. But he just stood calmly, seemingly content...like a pioneer at the end of a very long journey. He was tired, yet completely satisfied that he had made it. His work was done, the pressure relieved. As the referee lifted an exhausted arm into the air, my son raised one quiet index finger into the sky. With his final gesture, all of his childhood tears became mine. I stood hidden amongst the crowd and I cried. Somehow, during his last high school match, the boy had turned into a six-minute man.

When he walked off that mat, he knew more about life’s struggles, sacrifices and commitments than most 40-year-olds. Wrestling had transformed him into something greater.

To all wrestlers, I am sorry. I was wrong for so long. I love wrestling.

PAUL SWIGERT

When you’re working to achieve your financial goals, it helps to have some trusted guidance along the way. I’m here to help you identify your goals and provide more support to work through any changes life may bring. I appreciate the opportunity to work with all my clients in and around La Grande, OR.

As both a Financial Advisor of COUNTRY Trust Bank® and Registered Representative of COUNTRY® Capital Management Company, I can help you plan for your financial future. As a COUNTRY Financial® Insurance Agent, I’m prepared to help you with insurance options to protect the people and the things that matter most. I’m here to support you as you plan for the future and to help you worry less and live more.

Tommy Belding

Role: Wrestler

Years Involved: Since 4 years old

Wrestling has always been a large part of my life. I started my career at the age of four and have loved it ever since. I played many other sports while growing up but nothing challenged or rewarded me more than wrestling. As I got older and began winning more matches I started travelling across the state, then the region, and now the country seeking out the toughest competition I could find. Wrestling has made me into the man I am today and has taught me how to work hard, deal with setbacks, and still push forward. Sometimes It can be a love hate relationship but at the end of the day wrestling has opened up so many doors and taught me so much throughout my life.

In 7th grade I made the decision to transfer schools to La Grande and focus my efforts on wrestling. I was welcomed by the community and was able to find some amazing teammates, coaches, and friends. La Grande helped me pursue my goals in wrestling and I have been able to win 2 state titles, 2 Reser’s TOC titles, and 3 Muilenburg titles for the Tigers. Thank you to my parents, all my coaches, and teammates for being there for me. Let’s make this year one to remember. Tigers roll!

Riley Krantz

Role: Wrestler

Years Involved: Since 5 years old Riley Krantz’s wrestling career started when he was 5 years old. We did not think this would become a family obsession. I honestly think Riley was heartbroken the 1st time he stepped on to the wrestling mat, as he envisioned himself on a top turnbuckle or hitting someone with a clothesline or folding chair. However, he found the strength to push through the heartache, only to discover this sport would be the love-hate relationship he would forever enjoy for the next 13+ years. Wrestling has taught Riley a lot! Not just about wrestling, and the hunger for food, but how to overcome adversity, heartaches, and gain confidence in himself and abilities, and also how these things mix into his everyday life off the mat and how to navigate through them. We have been blessed with meeting many wrestling families because of this sport. Riley has made lifelong friendships and brotherhood relationships through this sport. He has made supporters from co-wresters to opponents (who became great friends and teammates), to amazing coaches, and numerous people I couldn’t even begin to mention. In my opinion, there are many great sports and people out there that we have met, and some we hang out with from time to time. But there is no comparison to the people you create a “wrestling family” with. You spend months and months in gyms, motels, practices, fundraising, carpooling and drivetime

in the winter, and did I mention the hours and hours and hours you spend in the gym? Seriously, in an overheated, sweat smelling, overcrowded, overemotional coaches and wrestlers, and over dramatic wrestling parents, just to pray you get to see your wrestler wrestle for more than just 2 matches and out. If you’re lucky, your kid will have a large bracket, and you will get to spend 9+ hours on those ohso-comfortable gym bleachers, and track wrestling will go down for 2 hours, and you will just get to sit there and stare at one another because nobody can figure it out. Ha ha ha. But honestly, we wouldn’t trade the memories for anything (maybe more mat time).

Riley has had the opportunity to wrestle overseas in Germany and Hawaii. He has had some of the best matches I have seen, from beating outranked wrestlers to a last 2-second reversal to win a District Champion title. When Riley takes off those wrestling shoes and steps off the mat for the last time....let’s just say it’s going to be a tough moment to take in.

Not only do I want to take a moment, and thank a sport that has given us so much, but I would also like to say thank you to a couple of good men (from my wife and myself) who have helped in so many ways to create the man Riley Krantz is today. So thank you Klel Carson, Walt Anderson, Dino May, Sean Belding, John Tuck, Kyle Johnson, Geoff Robinson, Miles Hancock, and Parker Robinson.

Darryn W. Richardson

Role: Wrestler

Years Involved: Since 4 years old

Darryn’s wrestling journey began at just four years old in Pre-K, when a “Meet the Team” wrestling camp sparked what would become a lifelong passion. From that moment, curiosity turned into commitment. Throughout elementary school, Darryn’s drive led him to place 3rd and 4th at the NYWA State Tournament — early signs of his dedication and talent on the mat.

One of Darryn’s standout qualities has always been his willingness to wrestle up and take on any challenge. He never turned down an opportunity for mat time, understanding that every match was a chance to learn and grow. That mindset paid off when he earned his first Varsity letter as a 7th grader. Instead of settling, Darryn used that honor as motivation to elevate his commitment even further.

In 8th grade, he expanded his skills by training in Jiu-Jitsu and Greco-Roman wrestling, where he was fortunate to learn from incredible mentors like Jake Clark, Rulon Gardner, and Gable Steveson. Through those experiences, Darryn discovered the importance of leadership and the joy of teaching others. Whether helping a young wrestler master a move or encouraging a newcomer to stick with the sport, Darryn’s giving spirit and love for the wrestling community have always shone bright.

A heavyweight his entire career — truly the main show — Darryn has experienced it all: standing at the top of the podium, fighting his way back from the bottom, and sometimes missing the podium entirely. But through every win, loss, and lesson, he’s loved every minute of the journey.

Darryn lives by “ G4 ” — God, Goals, Grind, and Growth — believing that nothing worthwhile comes easy. As a parent, what I’ll miss most is watching him watch others — the pride in his eyes when a teammate or younger wrestler achieves something they’ve worked hard for. Through victories and setbacks, he has remained humble, kind, courageous through injuries, and always learning.

Darryn W. Richardson — a leader, a teacher, and a true example of what it means to love the sport of wrestling.

2025 La Grande High School Senior Profiles

Colton Livingston

Role: Wrestler

In a family of 7 siblings, 4 of them being boys, wrestling is just what happens on a daily basis. When you are the youngest of those 4 boys, you have no choice but to find some inner “grit” to grapple with your older brothers and sometimes sisters. Then you add a little calf wrestling on top of that with a mad cow on your tail, let’s just say that’s when life gets real!

Colton has been a tough cowboy from the beginning. At age 6 he returned from gathering some stray cattle some 5 miles from the ranch, by himself, with a group of cows, on the tallest horse we owned at the time, laying across the saddle. When I saw him coming into the barnyard,(remember he was laying across the saddle) I ran out calling his name trying to figure out why he was by himself and why on earth he was on the saddle that way, he picks up his head and says, “I was ambushed by the Indians!” Yep, not just tough, but a character too!

Nowadays, it is rare to see him without his cowboy hat or boots on. If you do, he has transitioned into the season of wrestling and sees his opponents as that “mad cow” he is ready to tangle with. His passion for wrestling comes through a long line of wrestlers in his family and the teammates he has gained strong bonds with through tough practices, some wins and losses and lots of fun travel experiences.

After graduation, this valiant young man will serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In doing so, his hopes are to bring others to Christ and families together.

What follows after that point you can “bet your bottom dollar” that it will be having something to do with a horse, rope and a worn out cowboy hat.

Bragen Anderson

Role: Wrestler

Bragen Anderson- senior, class of 2026, began his wrestling career in the bonus room of his uncle’s house with his younger brother, Bryler, and cousins. Wrestling was an acquired love for Bragen- he has always had a very competitive nature but was not at all sure about the one-on-one contact that the sport requires, especially when he had to wrestle a fellow LG mat club wrestler/friend. After watching Bryler, his best friend/wrestling partner, win some tournaments and bring home some hardware, his competitive spirit and desire to win took over and from that moment on he was all in. Bragen has the heart of a lion. That combined with his coachability and competitive nature has earned him a very successful wrestling career so far, and hopefully continuing on in to his senior year. Bragen has been an Oregon Classic champion, a Muilenburg champion, a finalist in Hawaii, at Tri-State and at Resers TOC. He is a three time OSAA state placer and two time finalist. The success he’s had has humbled him and left him with the desire to work harder and the hunger to chase after his dream and number one goal of his final high school wrestling season- which is to be a state champion. As his uncle, Gabe Hoyt, who also wrestled for LGHS and was a state champion under coach Verle Miller and Klel Carson, says “He’s our comeback kid! He’ll do what he puts his mind and heart in to.” Being the underdog going into his high school career, Bragen had to fight for every success he was given... and that he did! He quickly earned the respect of his coaches, his teammates and most importantly his opponents. As a natural competitor, his talent has won him several matches and trophies. What really stands out most is not in the hardware that he’s brought home over the years, but in his desire and drive to be the best teammate that he is capable of being. Bragen is someone who cares more about the success of his team than of himself as an individual. This speaks volumes to the kind of human he is- his heart wins more matches than his ability ever has. This is what the sport of wrestling is truly about- it has highlighted his athleticism during competition but has made him a better human in everyday life.

A Special Thank you to our Donors

Rusty and Marlene Kilpartick

Kevin Reed

Mel Frederick

Trudy and Steve Robinson

Pat and Marlene O’Rourke

Doug McCann

Verl Miller

Jason Paullus

Pat Nearing

McPhetridge Family Trust

Curt Ater

Verl C. Miller

Vince and Julie Donivan

Eli and Shantay Mayes

Mike and Caroline McNall

Walt and Linda Anderson

Nat Farnam

These past four years have flown by in the blink of an eye. This kid is something special, both on and off the mat. He has far exceeded any expectation he ever had when he first started wrestling- and we couldn’t be more proud of who he is and what he has accomplished so far....but we know that he’s not done yet!! We are excited to watch all of his hard work, his goals and his dreams unfold and see what this final year has in store for him. When I asked Bragen what his plan was for the year, his response with a smile was “to win some championships with my brother!” GO GET ‘EM BRAG!!!!

Sue Schnell

Oregon Trail Electric Coop

Casey Kotter

John and Regina McCallum

Rob Stuart

Mattie Wolcott

Role: Wrestling Volunteer/Stat Girl

Years Involved: Lifetime

Wrestling has been a part of Mattie’s life for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a wrestling family, she spent countless weekends in gyms across the pacific northwest, cheering on her brother and learning the ins and outs of the sport. What started as tagging along to tournaments soon turned into a supportive commitment to the wrestling community.

As a stat girl, Mattie has been an essential part of each season—taking videos, cleaning mats, serving at tournaments, supporting coaches and wrestlers, and ensuring many behind the scenes details run smoothly. Her dedication, organization, and positive attitude have made her a valued member of the LHS wrestling family.

Beyond her official role, Mattie embodies the spirit of the sport: hard work, loyalty, and heart. She’s spent years volunteering her time to support LHS wrestling, often behind the scenes, ensuring that the team shines. Wrestling isn’t just something she supports, it’s a sport she believes in.

Outside of serving LHS wrestling, Mattie is involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, ASB, National Honor Society, plays competitive soccer and runs track.

After graduation, Mattie plans to continue playing competitive soccer and run track at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska where she will major in Exercise Science. No matter where life takes her, she’ll always carry the lessons, memories, and friendships built through the sports she grew up loving and supporting.

Kiera Hibbert

Role: Wrestling Stat Girl

Years Involved: 3

Kiera has had the honor of being part of the LHS wrestling program for the past three years. As a stat girl, she records matches, cleans mats, runs tables, and assists Coach Klel with anything needed, from keeping tournaments organized to helping at events like the middle school dance. She is always ready to lend a hand.

Through her years with wrestling, Kiera has learned countless lessons from watching and being with the team. She’s seen how much persistence, humility, and hard work it takes to compete, and those same qualities have shaped her own outlook. She’s learned to never settle, to push through hard times, and to always learn from her experiences. Most of all, she’s learned that success isn’t just about winning, it’s about effort, faith, and growth.

Outside of wrestling, Kiera is active in ASB, National Honor Society, and the Youth Advisory Club, where she continues to lead and serve. After graduation, she plans to attend BYU and major in Elementary Education. She hopes to bring some of the same qualities she’s seen in the coaches and wrestlers into her future classroom and life.

No matter where life leads her, Kiera will always carry the lessons, memories, and friendships she’s made through the LHS wrestling program, along with the reminder that with hard work, faith, and the right people beside you, you can overcome anything.

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 701

represents over 3,900 heavy-equipment operators, heavy-duty repairers, technical engineers, and stationary engineers throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.