PM Third At Blues Invitational

PM Third At Blues Invitational Brockenbrough Brothers, Julian Win Weight Classes

Three Parry McCluer High School wrestlers won their weight classes to lead the Fighting Blues to third place of nine teams at the Blues Invitational on Saturday at PM.

It was the first competition of the season for the Blues, who also placed third last year.

Facing several larger schools, the Blues scored 136 points, trailing only winner Riverheads (206.5) and runnerup Brookville (146). Rounding out the top five were Amherst County (133) and Bath County (108), PM’s Pioneer District rival.

“I do think that our program’s going in the right direction,” said PM head coach Jeremiah Brockenbrough. “We gave up six weight classes today and finished third. That says a lot for my new kids coming in and some of my older kids.”

The wrestlers competed in a roundrobin format, in which each grappler faced the competition, and the wrestler with the best records faced off for placement. The tournament is normally two days, but it was condensed into one day this year.

Placing first for the Blues were senior Jackson Brockenbrough at 150-pounds and his younger brother, sophomore Jordan Brockenbrough (138), as well as freshman Brody Julian (120).

Jackson Brockenbrough, who earned his 100th victory prior to the finals, earned a 10-4 win over Riverheads grappler Preston McCauley in the finals. Last winter, Jackson was the Region 1C champion and Class 1 state runner-up at 150.

Of his nephew’s accomplishment, Coach Brockenbrough said, “That’s pretty neat to do that at home in front of his home crowd, and I really appreciate the people that have come out and supported us.”

Jackson said earning his 100th win “means a lot, all the work I’ve put in. I was just happy to get it for our first tournament.”

Reviewing his tournament, Jackson said it went well overall, although he is adjusting to getting back into wrestling shape after football season. “I definitely need to work on getting in better shape, but besides that, the shots and everything, I feel very comfortable with that.”

Jackson said his goals this year are to “go undefeated and win state.” In trying to win his first state title, Jackson is confident about his chances. The wrestler who beat him for the state title last year, Grundy’s Shalem Gordon, has moved up a weight class. “I definitely think I should win it this year,” said Jackson. “It should be wide open.”

In the finals at 132, Jordan Brockenbrough pinned Franklin’s Benjamin Harrison in 5:14. “Jordan just does what he does each week,” said Coach Brockenbrough. “He’s pretty weathered to the system. Last year, he broke his thumb and wasn’t able to finish in the state tournament.” Jordan ended up placing sixth after forfeiting the fifth-place bout. “I think this year he’s got a lot to prove for himself.”

Julian started his high school career well by advancing to the finals and then defeating Brookville’s Evan Bush in a 12-4 major decision.

Also stepping up for the Blues was junior Jacob Shafer, placing second at 144. Shafer, who missed the later part of last season due to an injury, pinned Riverheads wrestler Nate Woods in 1:02 in the semifinals before he lost to Brookville’s Peyton Stanbery in a 17-1 technical fall (lead of 15 points or more) in 1:48 in the finals.

Blues placing third were seniors Cyler Driscoll (126) and Junior Convers (175), while junior Clyde Vassar (138) finished fourth.

Reviewing the day for his team, Coach Brockenbrough said, “Overall, a good start. Once we get our kids to the weight classes we need them to be at, we’ll be fine.”

The Blues will return to action tonight, Wednesday, at 6 when they compete in a quad meet at Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville. PM will then have a home tri-meet next Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. against Alleghany and Giles.