JOHN DAY Grant Union High School wrestlers topped off a successful season with awards.

The team, coached by Dave Naibert and assistant Tim McCloskey, met March 13 at the United Methodist Church for the honors and a dinner catered by the Snaffle Bit.

Each team member lettered, including Jake Batease, Brandon McCleese, Caleb Batease, Kyle Carpenter, Lane Woodcock, Dillon Griffith and Reuben Harvey.

Plaques were given to Griffith for Most Improved and Carpenter for Most Dedicated. Carpenter also received the scholar-athlete award.

Receiving state participation certificates and 25-plus club trophies were brothers Jake and Caleb Batease. The trophies go to wrestlers participating in 25 or more matches in the season.

Naibert finds that athletes reaching the 25-plus goal are better prepared to perform well at state; that philosophy proved true this season.

Jake Batease, a junior, was 3A state champion for the 285-pound weight class, and sophomore Caleb Batease, wrestling at 220 pounds, placed third.

Jake Batease joins a list of elite Grant Union wrestlers to acheive state champion status, including James Green (2000), Jason Green (1999), Trevor Knowles (1997-98), Lincoln Lindley (1994), Brian Zinn (1993) and Gary Hammons (1974).

Naibert said he looks forward to the returning team members and notes that the incoming 2013 freshmen look promising for the program.

He said he was happy with the character displayed by this years athletes.

My goal is to build champions and good citizens, said Naibert. Were training these guys to hopefully be more than wrestlers, to stand out more day to day.