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In its first home meet of the season, the Rockbridge County High School wrestling team earned a 54-28 win over Roanoke Catholic last Wednesday night in Lexington. With the victory in front of supportive fans, the Wildcats improved to 4-1 in duals this season.
The Wildcats were missing several wrestlers who were out sick, and the Celtics brought a small team, so both teams got and lost points from forfeits.
Reflecting on the night, Rockbridge County head coach Mike Wood said, “It’s tough when you wrestle half the lineup, and probably our best kids didn’t get to even see the mat. It’s not a real, true reflection of what we are.”
Four Wildcats who did compete won their bouts. Xander Escobar pinned Nick Schmucker in 1:27 at 126-pounds, Tucker Towle (165) pinned Garret Perry in 1:55, Sawyer Hattersley (175) pinned Jesus Lopez in 12 seconds, and Price Lunsford (285/ heavyweight) pinned Randall Hustead in 1:13.
Following the completion of the varsity dual, the teams had several exhibition bouts, giving some of the Wildcats’ reserves valuable mat time.
Today, Wednesday, the Wildcats will travel to Alverton, Pa. for the Southmoreland Holiday Classic, which will conclude on Thursday. Looking forward to the tournament, where the Wildcats will face tough competition, Wood said, “We’ll see what we’re made of.”
The Wildcats will then have a home quad meet on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 6:30 p.m. when they take on rival Parry McCluer, Bath County and Rustburg.
