The Rockbridge County High School wrestling team earned a 44-35 win over Valley District rival Rocktown to end the regular season 14-6 in duals on Thursday night at Doremus Gymnasium at Washington and Lee University in Lexington.
Although they were missing three wrestlers who were out sick, the Wildcats battled to overcome Rocktown for the second night in a row. On Wednesday at East Rockingham High School in Elkton, the Wildcats beat a shorthanded Rocktown team 54-25 and defeated Broadway 56-24.
Winning for the Wildcats on Thursday were Cole Fine (forfeit at 113-pounds), Hudson Ryan (pin at 144), Markus Nelson (pin at 150), Wyatt Eisenbrown (pin at 157), Aidan Williams (pin at 165), Asher Wells (comeback win in a 12-10 decision at 175), Isaiah Woolfrey (pin at 190) and Gabe Wade (pin at 215).
After the high school dual, the Wildcats remained in the gym to watch W&L defeat Old Dominion Athletic Conference rival Shenandoah University 40-6.
The Wildcats, who finished second to Turner Ashby in the district standings during the regular season, will next compete in the Valley District Region 3C Qualifier next Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 5 p.m. at Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater. The top four wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the Region 3C tournament, which will take place at TA on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 9 a.m.
On Saturday, RC senior Mia Marando (138) and freshman Tasha Shorter (152) will compete in the girls’ zone qualifier at Rocktown High School in Harrisonburg, starting at 10 a.m. They will aim to qualify for the Virginia High School League Girls State Open Wrestling Championships Feb. 26-27 in Glen Allen.
For the full story and photos from this week’s action, please see our Feb. 5 newspaper.
