Do you remember where you were in 1964?
Lyndon B. Johnson was president of the free world, gas prices were a whopping 30 cents a gallon and unemployment was 5.7-percent.
That was also the last time Southern Oregon had a wrestling record below .500.
Since 1964, the Raiders racked up four NAIA National Championships, countless Conference championships and numerous individual all-americans and awards.
In 2012-2013, things are expected to be no different as the Raiders are ranked number one in the NAIA after finishing second in the NAIA tournament last season behind Grand View.
The Raiders are lead by three ranked wrestlers who are expected to be top of the NAIA.
The Raiders are lead by two time National Champion, 2010 NAIA Wrestler of the Year and 2010 NAIA Outstanding Wrestler senior Mitchell Lofstedt at the 125-pound weight class.
At the 149-pound class, the Raider have senior Jimmy Eggmeyer and sophmore Brock Gutches at the 174 pound class, Gutches won the 174 pound national championship in 2012 and is looking to defend that this season.
Some other notables for Southern Oregon feature junior Dalton Urruita, whom is fourth in the 157-pound class; Bubba Owens is fifth at the heavyweight class at 287-pound, Sophomore Johnathan Gay at 141-pounds, Tyler Thomas at the 184-pound class.
“We’re feeling good as a team so far.” said senior Tyler Thomas, “We have a stacked line up and we’re planning on winning the national dual championships as well and individual nationals as a team.”
Southern Oregon had an intra-squad meet back on Tuesday that saw the black team that featured Lofstedt that had taken down a Red squad that was lead by sophmore Taylor Johnson and Rhett Breed 83-18 to start the season.
The Raiders will be taking on their first intersquad team on November 11th as they travel up to Forest Grove, Oregon to take part in the Pacific Open. Their first match is slotted for 9a.m.
video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nikPiLI7Z-Y&feature=plcp
Sources:
JMcDonaldMedia 
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