345 SE 5th, Madras, OR 97741 | 541.475.2275
Adrian Phillips of the Madras wrestling team has been a force to deal with for opposing teams since joining the MHS squad after a short stint with the White Buffalos’ basketball program this season.
It's not easy to overlook Adrian Phillips.
The Madras High School junior stands 6-foot-3 inches and weighs in at 265 pounds, and his size, strength and skill are causing his opposition fits on the wrestling mats.
"He's a dang tough heavyweight," said Madras head wrestling coach Ron Oliver. "More importantly, he's a good kid."
The 16-year-old has taken an interesting path to a 20-4 record this season on the mats. He missed several weeks because he gave basketball a try, but decided that wrestling was where he belonged.
"Basketball wasn't working for me, so I figured I'd try another favorite sport of mine," Phillips said. "I like basketball and it's one of my favorite sports, but it just really didn't work out for me."
The soft-spoken young man has been anything but quiet on the mats, beating ranked opponents and proving that he's one of the top heavyweights in the state at the Class 5A level.
"He is really coming along," Oliver said. "He works hard and he never gives up."
Phillips has older brothers who played basketball and he said he had to try the sport at least one more time.
"We were glad he was staying involved, but we really wanted him on our wrestling team," Oliver said. "He not only makes our team stronger, but he's a lot of fun to be around."
His wrestling teammates call him "Big A," and MHS senior Ryan Brunner loves what Phillips offers their team.
"He brings a lot of energy and he's always cracking a lot of jokes," Brunner said. "I'm really glad he decided to wrestle with us."
Phillips wrestled last year, but his season was cut short due to a staff infection just before the Intermountain Conference district meet. He's using that as motivation this season as the IMC district meet nears.
"It was disappointing, but I want to prove myself this season," He said.
Phillips has beaten several top wrestlers over the past two months. He beat Hillsboro's Zack Hickman, who was ranked No. 6 in the state, at the Oregon Wrestling Classic, he recently beat No. 11-ranked and Summit's Ethan Hawes last week and thrilled the Madras faithful with an overtime win over Hermiston's Tyler Andreason in a home dual meet.
Adrian Phillips defends during a nonconference game at Springfield.
"The thing that I have noticed is that even though he's a big boy, he has great hips," Brunner said of Phillips. "He's able to gain position over his opponents and control them."
Phillips wrestles quicker, but strong teammates in practice. He'll practice with 215-pounder Travis Williams, who is ranked No. 5 in state, and Trevor Barrett (189), who is ranked No. 3 in state.
"Those guys have really helped me improve," Phillips said of Barrett and Williams.
Phillips is impressive to watch. He quietly gains position on his opponent and when he has firm control on his feet, he'll turn his opponent on his back so fast it will make your head spin.
"If I can get position with my hips in a scramble, I like to turn them over and pin them as fast as I can," Phillips said.
His win against Andreason was electric during a lopsided team loss to the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs at MHS. Yet, Phillips victory received a standing ovation.
"It felt like forever," Phillips said of his overtime match against Andreason. "It was pretty exciting."
Phillips and the Madras White Buffalos have only three more IMC duals remaining, before they host the IMC district meet Feb. 19. The White Buffs' heavyweight is ready for the IMC to weigh in on what he can do.
"I want to make a name for myself," Phillips said. "In the IMC, you have to win at districts and place well at state to get noticed."
Madras is ranked No. 8 in the state and Phillips has all the tools for a top finish at the state meet in Portland Feb. 25-27.
"My first goal is to win district and I want to place in the top five at state," Phillips said.
