More than 300 youth wrestlers and 800 spectators came to Lebanon over the weekend to take  part in Lebanon Mat Club’s annual wrestling tournament.

The tournament, which began in 1985, featured wrestlers ages 8 to 14.

Tina Sallee, in her fourth year as president of the Mat Club, said 32 teams from throughout Oregon were in attendance, coming from as far away as Coos Bay.

“I’ve had lots and lots of comments from people telling me how much they enjoyed it,” Sallee said. “I am  so proud of all the wrestlers.”

Sallee said the tournament is an opportunity for youngsters to have fun wrestling and at the same time learn life lessons.

“They learn to respect each other and be civil to each other even though they may have lost,” she said.

Michael Cox, head wrestling coach at Lebanon High School, was on hand to help out.

Cox said the Lebanon Mat Club is the perfect way to get wrestlers prepared for the rigors of high school wrestling.

“That’s our feeder program,” Cox said. “It’s really hard for a freshman to come in and be good.”

“At the Mat Club level they go at a slower pace, and they come into high school. They understand what it takes and they’re off and running,” he said.

Cox said current LHS standout wrestlers Craig Trask, Daniel Aranda, Tamen Privratsky and Bryan Lacy, among others, have greatly benefited from their Mat Club experience.

Sallee said 96 raffle prizes were awarded and two lucky wrestlers received a Gameboy DS and a portable DVD player.

Lebanon’s team featured 56 wrestlers.

For more information about the Mat Club, contact Sallee at (541) 451-1237.