Clackamas National Runner-Up at NJCAA Tournament, Ane’e Vigil Makes History
The Clackamas Community College wrestling team traveled to Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Wednesday, March 5th, to compete at the 2025 NJCAA National Championship. The Cougars qualified nine wrestlers, each with the goal of earning All-American honors and pushing for the program’s seventh national team title.
Head Coach Brett Sanchez said the team came in well-prepared and motivated:
“After Regionals we had a great three weeks of preparation leading up to Nationals. I feel like we approached it the right way and got our guys ready to peak at the right time. We dedicated this weekend to our brother Lee Mauras. We wore his name on our t-shirts to remind us what we’re doing this for.”
Mauras, a talented Cougar wrestler, tragically passed away in October. His spirit fueled the team’s performance throughout the championship weekend.
Day 1 – Building Momentum
The Cougars opened the tournament in dominant fashion, with all nine wrestlers earning bonus-point wins in the first round. Sophomore and returning national champion Ane’e Vigil (125 lbs) once again set the tone, scoring early and firing up the squad.
However, the intensity of the national stage brought challenges. Losses at 149, 165, 184, and 197 kept Clackamas from advancing all nine wrestlers into the quarterfinals. Still, Vigil, Gavin Bauder (133 lbs), Cesar Avelar (141 lbs), Henry Dillingham (157 lbs), and Nakoa Fouret (174 lbs) powered through to the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, on the consolation side, wrestlers battled through the pressure-packed “blood round”—a do-or-die moment that determines All-American status. By the end of the night, Clackamas had secured six All-Americans: Vigil, Bauder, Avelar, Dillingham, Julian Gorring (184 lbs), and Nate Ronan (197 lbs).
Coach Sanchez reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of Day 1:
“The quarterfinals and blood round are the most exciting and stressful parts of the tournament. You see all the emotions—guys reaching their dreams of becoming All-Americans, and others falling just short. You feel it with your athletes on both sides.”
Day 2 – Finals & History
With six All-Americans locked in, Clackamas entered Day 2 with momentum and championship hopes alive. The Cougars advanced three wrestlers to the national finals: Vigil, Bauder, and Dillingham.
History was made when Ane’e Vigil captured his second straight national title at 125 lbs, becoming only the third 2x NJCAA National Champion in Clackamas history. Bauder followed with a championship at 133 lbs, while Dillingham narrowly fell in a thrilling 157 lbs final, earning a national runner-up finish.
On the backside, Avelar placed 3rd to become a 2x All-American, Gorring claimed 5th at 184 lbs, and Ronan finished 8th at 197 lbs.
Team Results & Season Legacy
When the dust settled, the Cougars finished as NJCAA National Runner-Up, capping an outstanding season that included:
• 14-2 dual meet record
• NJCAA National Duals Runner-Up
• Region 18 Conference Champions
• NJCAA National Championship Runner-Up
Coach Sanchez praised his athletes and staff for their dedication and resilience:
“I’m so proud of how we competed all season and in the postseason with all the adversity we went through. This team formed a bond that will last forever. The 2025 squad will always be in my heart, and I can’t thank my coaching staff enough for preparing our guys to finish as national runner-up. Lee Mauras would be proud of this team.”
