Warren JFK’s O’Brien finally gets his tournament crown

By Eric Hamilton

The 140-pound senior hadn’t won here in three previous tries.

NORTH JACKSON — Warren JFK wrestler Conner O’Brien saved his best for last.

After having competed at the Leonard Truck and Trailer Tournament three previous times without winning an individual title, he had hopes of finally occupying the top step on the awards podium.

And after going 3-0 on Saturday and winning 4-3 over Waterloo’s Adam Allen in the finals at 140 pounds, O’Brien climbed to the top step.

“I just tried not to put too much pressure on myself and stay calm in the finals,” said O’Brien, who finished fourth in the tournament in 2008. “I just tried to stay offensive and keep him from scoring. He was good in the tie-up, so I tried to work some leg stuff.

“I didn’t expect him to give me that point, but then I knew I was ahead by one and had to attack him and not let him score any more points.”

The match was tied at 3 in the third period, when Allen conceded an escape point in order to put the match in the neutral position. That turned out to be a bad decision, as O’Brien now led 4-3 and Allen couldn’t mount any offense.

“I was excited for the finals because I’ve never gone undefeated here,” said O’Brien, who improved to 9-4 on the season. “I gained a lot of confidence today and I’m looking to keep my winning streak alive.

“I haven’t lost since our second tournament. I just want to not lose another match as we go into EOWL and sectionals.”

O’Brien placed at the EOWL tournament in 2007 , but was sixth at sectionals. In 2006, he earned a spot at districts by taking fourth at sectionals.

“I just want to do better this year, since it’s my senior year and my last chance to get to state,” said O’Brien.

Warren JFK finished five placers at Jackson-Milton, including O’Brien’s title and a second-place finish by Kyle Mariani at 152 pounds.