By Matt Singledecker

Springfield Times Intern

Riley Mckelvy won both wrestling matches against South Eugene and Springfield last Wednesday at Thurston High School.

But Mckelvy, like many of his Thurston teammates, has far bigger goals than just winning a regular season dual meet.

"As a team we want to win our fifth straight district title and individually I want to place for state and place at state," he said. "Both goals are reachable. We've picked up the tempo in practice and I think we're the best conditioned team in the state."

Thurston beat Springfield 69-3 and South Eugene 69-12, as Mckelvy (285 pounds) was one of five Colts to record two pins. Robbie Bird (140), Austin Miller (160), Brycen Anson (171) and Collin Lahti (189) were the others.

"The kids competed hard and they're getting a lot better," said THS head coach Mike Simons. "It's always nice to beat your cross-town rival. Even when our guys win, I want them to get better. We look for positive things to build on in each match. The key is staying focused for six minutes, not just five minutes and 45 seconds."

The Colts and Millers had a number of close matches, despite the large margin of victory for Thurston.

For more on this story and other news from around the Springfield area, be sure to pick up a copy of the Feb. 5 issue of Springfield Times, available at news racks and stores all around the area. Look under the 'Newspaper Locations' link on this site to find out where. To subscribe to the paper, call 741-7368 or stop by 741 Main St.