East senior wrestler Nathan Hoffer took second place and earned All-American status at the Reno Tournament of Champions in Reno, Nev. on Saturday.
Hoffer lost to top-seeded Mark Hartenstine of Pennsylvania's Easton Area High in the finals by a score of 2-1 in double overtime. Hartenstine's escape in the second 30-second overtime period was the difference.
Each wrestler escaped once in regulation to make it 1-1. In the first overtime, Hoffer appeared to get behind Hartenstine in the closing seconds, but the official ruled Hoffer had not gained control for a winning takedown. Hartenstine then rode Hoffer out in the first 30-second overtime to set up his victory.
"It was close. It's the refs call," Hoffer said. "I was hoping I had it."
Hoffer, the No. 2 seed, became the eighth Alaskan to reach the finals in Reno, one of the country's premier high school wrestling tournaments. The top three finishers in each weight class earned All-American honors.
"I was definitely confident coming down," Hoffer said. "I felt like I was going to win. I came out there, wrestled flat and finished second."
The performance marks the fifth time Hoffer has earned All-American recognition at a national tournament. He also finished third in Reno at 135 pounds last year and won a national title at the National High School Coaches Association national tournament in Virginia.
Other Alaskans to reach the Reno finals include South's Jesse Amos (1st at 171 in 2007), Kodiak's Jimmy Eggemeyer (2nd at 130 in '07), Chugiak's Cayle Byers (1st at 189 in '06), Skyview's Eli Hutchison (1st at 135 in '05), Wasilla's Jake Wade (2nd at 189 in '05), Wasilla's Jed Wade (1st at 189 in '03) and Palmer's Gabe McMahon (1st at 160 in '96).
Thirty-five Alaskans traveled to Reno and five reached the podium. Dillingham's Jared Miller placed seventh at 103, Chugiak's Ben Sullivan was seventh at 135, Chugiak's Grant Sullivan placed eighth at 145 and Kotzebue's Jared Miller was sixth at 171.
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