NAIA College Preview Series: #3 Southern Oregon

Photo courtesy of SOU Athletics / Al Case, Ashland Daily.

Image courtesy of SOU Athletics.

by Jeremy Eusterwiemann
Twitter: @wiems19

Ranked #3 in the NAIA Coaches Poll, Southern Oregon looks to build off a strong finish from last year. The Raiders return: a national champ, several All-Americans, an All-American transfer, and recruits expected to make an impact right away. With that cast of competitors, the Raiders are poised to bring home some serious hardware at the NAIA National Invitational tournament this year. With lofty goals and expectations, the work ethic of the underclassmen in the room pushing those around them to get better, there is little reason to doubt their optimism and excitement for this season.

Here is an interview I had with Southern Oregon head coach Joel Gibson.

1. What are your reflections on last season?
Last season was brutal. It certainly presented many unexpected challenges that any coach could have predicted.

2. Talk about your returning class. Who are some of the women you have high expectations for this year?
Esthela Trevino was 3rd at 101, Macie Stewart was 3rd at 109, Carolina Johnson was 8th at 116, Glory Konecny was 7th at 123, Sienna Ramirez was 1st at 155, and at 130, 2x NCAA All-American Emily Se transferred to us from Emmanuel.

3. Talk about your incoming freshmen class. Who are some of the names that you expect an immediate contribution from?
101-pound freshman Emma Baertlein was a 2x Oregon state champ and a high school All-American; Valeree Ornelas was a 2x California state place winner and will wrestle 109; Desinee Lopez was a 2x California finalist and 1x state champ; and Carolina Moreno was a 2x All-American, a 2x Arizona state finalist, and a 1x Arizona state champ.

4. How do you feel about your preseason?
Our preseason has gone well—we have a hardworking and dedicated team. Our young girls are putting a lot of heat on the upperclassmen.

5. Talk about some of your team's goals this season. Are there any specific events you're excited about?
We want to be the Cascade Conference Champs, NAIA Champs, and land 12 All-Americans.

6. What are some things you've built into your program that you credit for the success you've had so far?
Fundamentals, Hard Work, Recruiting, Grit, Tenacity.

7. Who are some of the personalities in the room that are providing leadership and shaping your culture?
We've got a lot of hardworking younger wrestlers that are making a huge difference for the older group.