A year ago Baker won its first Greater Oregon League wrestling championship and set a school record by sending 13 wrestlers to the Class 4A state tournament.

Saturday in the BHS gym, the Bulldogs successfully defended their district title, and set a new team record by qualifying 14 wrestlers for state.

“We got 14, one more than last year. A new record,” said Baker coach Brandon Young.

Altogether, 22 Baker wrestlers placed in the top 6 of their weight class Saturday as Baker edged La Grande 327.5 to 322.5 for the team crown.

Individually, Baker earned three district titles, seven district runnersup, four third-place, five fourth-place, a fifth and two sixths.

Claiming district titles were James AhHee (126 pounds), Elijah Banister (132) and Clay Keller (145).

AhHee had the easiest time in winning his crown.

He was to face teammate Jace Hays in the title match. The two, best friends, decided not to take the mat. It was decided that AhHee, who plans to wrestle in college, would receive the No. 1 state berth.

Banister also wrestled a Baker teammate, Jorge Duran, for his title.

Banister trailed 4-2 after one round before taking a 5-4 edge after the second round. He won the match 11-8.

Keller defeated La Grande’s Parker Robinson 6-4 to win his title.

Other second-place finishers were Johnny Niehaus (106), Nick Blair (120), Dylan Feldmeier (160), G’ovi Quezada (182) and Hudson Cole (220).

Third-place winners headed to state are Alejandro Duran-Puente (113), Colton Anderson (120), Korey Grende (152) and Andrew Dunn (195).

Placing fourth were Andrew Adams (113), Alejandro Davila (138), Alex Hammans (145), Sam Harper (170), and Sam Bootsma (182).

Dawson Dollarhide (138) placed fifth.

Placing sixth were Adolfo Rodriguez (152) and Hannah Searles (160).

The state tournament is Feb. 24-25 at Memorial Coliseum in Portland.