West Linn’s Henry Dillingham bests ‘good buddy’ to win first TOC gold eagle (Reser’s TOC 157 pounds)

“I just wanted to show domination. That’s what we’re all striving for.”

West Linn senior Henry Dillingham missed last year’s Reser’s Tournament of Champions to rest in preparation for the OSAA Class 6A state tournament. 

Dillingham won the state championship at 152 pounds to help the Lions earn their first team title, and Saturday night at Hillsboro’s Liberty High School, he added a first TOC title to his resumé with a thrilling 8-7 decision over returning Reser’s champion Trae Frederick of Newberg in the 157 final.

Dillingham led 7-2 after two rounds, scoring two takedowns and two near-fall points before Frederick rallied, taking Dillingham down with five seconds left to give himself a chance to complete the comeback.

The final result left Dillingham with mixed feelings after he held on for the win.

“I’m not too satisfied with how I wrestled,” he said. “I’m glad I was able to win, but I wish I could have wrestled more offensively and actually wrestled to score points instead of just win. It’s not even style points. I just wanted to show domination. That’s what we’re all striving for.”

Henry Dillingham of West Linn (photo by Taylor Balkom)

The win was Dillingham’s second over Frederick in the past two years — he also defeated the Tigers senior at last year’s Oregon Classic.

They didn’t get to meet at state last year after Frederick lost in the semifinals to South Medford’s Bridger Foss.

Dillingham believes they could have a rematch next month at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum in the 6A final.

“I’ve grown up wrestling with Trae,” he said. “Me and Trae are good buddies. We’ve been hanging out the whole tournament, and I know every time we step on the mat, we just kind of go out and give it our all. And it’ll be the same in a month.” 

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