FARGO FEATURE: Oregon's Tyrell Fortune determined to return to top of medal stand
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by Craig Sesker
FARGO, N.D. - There was a time when Tyrell Fortune looked virtually unbeatable at the Fargo Dome.
The powerful, burly Fortune was a double Cadet Nationals champion in 2005 before repeating his feat by winning Cadet Nationals titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle in 2006.
But his fortunes changed when he moved up to the Junior Nationals division in 2007. Fortune placed second in Greco-Roman and third in freestyle.
Those losses have been gnawing at the Portland, Ore., product and he appears on course to return to the top of medal stand this year. Fortune has rolled to seven straight wins, all in two straight periods, to reach the finals in the Junior Nationals Greco-Roman competition at 215 pounds.
"I am real determined to come back strong this year," Fortune said. "I didn't win in either style last year and I've been thinking about that a lot. I lost a real close match in the finals where a couple of calls went against me."
Fortune plans to wrestle for Clackamas Community College in Oregon next year.
Fortune's experience in Fargo has served him well in the grueling event where numerous matches are contested over a number of days in two styles.
"You have to stay mentally tough," Fortune said. "Wrestling is a very physical sport, but you have to stay focused more than anything. You have to make sure you're ready for every match."
The Greco-Roman finals are set for Tuesday afternoon.
"This is a real special event," Fortune said. "It's great competition. I just want to make sure I get back on top this year.
The powerful, burly Fortune was a double Cadet Nationals champion in 2005 before repeating his feat by winning Cadet Nationals titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle in 2006.
But his fortunes changed when he moved up to the Junior Nationals division in 2007. Fortune placed second in Greco-Roman and third in freestyle.
Those losses have been gnawing at the Portland, Ore., product and he appears on course to return to the top of medal stand this year. Fortune has rolled to seven straight wins, all in two straight periods, to reach the finals in the Junior Nationals Greco-Roman competition at 215 pounds.
"I am real determined to come back strong this year," Fortune said. "I didn't win in either style last year and I've been thinking about that a lot. I lost a real close match in the finals where a couple of calls went against me."
Fortune plans to wrestle for Clackamas Community College in Oregon next year.
Fortune's experience in Fargo has served him well in the grueling event where numerous matches are contested over a number of days in two styles.
"You have to stay mentally tough," Fortune said. "Wrestling is a very physical sport, but you have to stay focused more than anything. You have to make sure you're ready for every match."
The Greco-Roman finals are set for Tuesday afternoon.
"This is a real special event," Fortune said. "It's great competition. I just want to make sure I get back on top this year.
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