The popularity of youth wrestling in Oak Harbor continues to grow.

Look no further than the King of the Rock wrestling club, who took a club record 13 competitors to the Reno World of Wrestling Tournament, April 1-3.

The KOTR wrestlers didn’t just show up at the large event, they had four place in the top four among 2,700 of the top wrestlers around the nation.

Jordan Martinez captured the 6 and under, 40 pound title, winning four straight matches. This was the second year in a row he captured the championship in Reno.

Martinez won his first match in a decision, received a pin in his second match, earned a 17 second pin and then won a 4-2 decision for the title.

“His finals match was one of the best matches he’s wrestled,” coach Lee Miracle said.

Also finishing among the best in the nation was Sean O’Brien, who took second in the 18 and under, 171 pound division. He earned two close decisions, two falls and one technical fall en route to the second place.

“Sean did a great job of listening to his coaches during the tournament, I was very proud of his efforts,” Miracle said.

Kayla Miracle finished fourth in the 8 and under, 52 pound weight class and was the only female wrestler to medal. This was the third straight year she has metaled.

Miracle won her first match 3-1 and her second 11-1 before losing an 11-1 decision. She earned a pin and lost 4-2 in overtime during her finals match.

It was a great battle and Kayla should be proud of her effort,” coach Miracle said. “She is a great tribute to female wrestlers across the country.”

After losing a tough first match, Karlson Miller bounced back and took fourth in the 18 and under, 112 pound division.

Miller lost his first match 14-7, but rebounded with 12-1 and 9-0 decisions, before getting revenge and beating his first-round opponent 2-0.

“It takes a very special wrestler to bounce back from a loss like that and come back and even the score,” Miracle said.

Other wrestlers who took part, but fell short of placing were: Mark Johnston, Hunter Vail, Josh Martinez, Brandon Strickland, Sam Davis, Jack O’Neil, Miles Hartt, Matt Johnston and Jeff Lang.

“As a whole the team performed extremely well,” Miracle said. “I believe our number of participants will go up in this event next year as will our number of placers.”