Price Pothier ends Newberg career on high note with first state wrestling title

By René Ferrán | Photos by Taylor Balkom  

Newberg senior Price Pothier had accomplished a lot during his wrestling career.

The one thing left to check off his list before finishing — winning a state title.

He’d come close last year, losing to Sprague’s Riley Davis in the 160-pound final in June on his home mat. 

The memory of that defeat spurred him forward this winter. 

“I think I really dedicated myself in the room a lot more,” he said. “I had that extra thrust, knowing it was my last year, probably my last year on the mat. Knowing that really excelled my work ethic.” 

All the work paid off Sunday in the 160-pound 6A final at Sandy High School as he ended unseeded Mountain View sophomore Liam Byrne’s run with a 3-1 decision, holding off Bryne’s furious final push to earn the title.

Contributing to Newberg’s all-time performance at an OSAA state meet just made the victory that much sweeter. 

“I know with this group, I’ve made friends for life,” Pothier said. 

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