RC Wrestlers Go 3-0 In Duals

By Jonathan Schwab

The Rockbridge County High School wrestling team went 3-0 in duals last week to end the regular season with a duals record of 14-6. In addition, two RC girls, senior Mia Marando and freshman Tasha Shorter, advanced to the Virginia High School League Girls State Open Wrestling Championships, with Marando winning at 138-pounds and Shorter placing fourth at 152 at the’ Zone 3 Girls’ Qualifier on Saturday at Rocktown.

Last Wednesday, the Wildcats went 2-0 in Valley District duals at East Rockingham High School in Elkton, defeating a shorthanded Rocktown team 54-25 and beating Broadway 5624.

In their final local competition of the season on Thursday, the Wildcats, missing three wrestlers who were out sick, battled to overcome a more complete Rocktown team, 44-35 at Doremius Gymnasium at Washington and Lee University in Lexington.

Adjusting to missing wrestlers, RC head coach Mike Wood and his assistant coaches moved their lineup around a bit, and the Wildcats responded well. “That makes the guys dig a little deeper because, if we lose one or two matches in the middle, we lose the match,” said Wood.

Winning for the Wildcats on Thursday were Cole Fine (forfeit at See RC page A11

RC SOPHOMORE John Clements lifts up his opponent from Rocktown during an exhibition bout at Doremus Gymnasium at Washington and Lee University. The Wildcats defeated Rocktown 44-35. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photo) 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).

Fans watched the dual from seats along the walking track above the gym.

It wasn’t the first time the Wildcats wrestled at a local college gym. Two years again, they wrestled at Cormack Hall at Virginia Military Institute. Wood said he plans to have his team compete at either VMI or W&L again next year. “It’s nice for the kids. It gives them something different to look forward to.”

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.

Several of the RC reserves competed in the Rumble in the Jungle JV Invitational on Saturday

at Louisa County High

School in Mineral.

Today, Wednesday, Feb. 5, the RC starters will compete in the Valley District Region 3C Qualifier, beginning 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. Wood said 10 of the weight classes will have six wrestlers in them, and the other four will have four or five.