Wrestling – Spotlight High

An attitude of gratitude: What Hampton Roads players and coaches are thankful for…

Dwayne Johnson — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:20:48 +0000

At times, Coach Donald Motley emphasized the importance of being appreciative.

Coach truly have so much to be thankful for this year 2020. “First of all, I’m thankful and blessed with such an incredible opportunity that I intend to take full advantage of.” Donald Motley found himself coaching the wrestling team at Oscar Smith High School. He absolutely love coaching the student-athletes. Coach who repeatedly states, “I am truly blessed to be able to coach the sport I love at such a high level and for such a great school”. Coach Motley is thankful for the family who have reached out and supported him. “I’m thankful for my family who come to see my players and have sacrificed a lot, so I could have this opportunity.” Each new day has brought success and accomplishment for the wrestling team. Oscar Smith’s wrestling team has pursued their dreams and reached their goals of becoming the VHSL 6A State 2020 Champions.

Oscar Smith Wrestling Team Made History With 2020 VHSL Class 6 Region Championship Title And Fourteen State Berths.

Dwayne Johnson — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 22:45:28 +0000

This year, head coach Donald Motley believes his athletes has the potential for podium finishes at state. Coach Motley praised his team’s effort throughout the tournament which featured school historical wins in the Regional 6A Wrestling Championship final. Oscar Smith came into the original 6A tournament as the top seed. By night’s end, Oscar Smith justified that designation by clinching their first regionals wrestling championship. “We really stepped up and had a good week during practice. One of the best performance I’ve seen out of our guys this year, especially as a team. Everybody on the team was focused, everybody performed well. I was very pleased and just really excited about how our guys did.” ,Coach Motley stated. Trevon Gray, David Braggall, Jaheid Lucas, Jaden Bullock, and Sheldon Davis all finished 3-0 in the tournament. A total of fourteen Oscar Smith H.S. Tiger wrestlers finished in the top-five of their respective weight classes. Those same fourteen wrestlers all advanced to the state semifinals which is remarkable for such a talented state as Virginia. Oscar Smith qualified the entire team in remarkable fashion to the state championship. The Tiger’s next tournament is the VHSL State Champions on February 21 & 22 and will be held at Robinson High School in Fairfax, Va.

Bayside High School wrestling: Piling up the dual wins in the beach district.

Dwayne Johnson — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 03:07:26 +0000

Since coming out of the winter break, Bayside was one of the most impressive teams during a dual wrestling match on Wednesday, January 15^th. Bayside High won 95% of each weight class and improved the team overall season record. Bayside High opened up the duel match with four straight victories as Branden White came away with a victory in his respected weight classes. Despite trailing 10 points early in the match, Branden was able to begin the comeback with a victory from his opponent in the third period with less than one minute left in the period to help get on the scoreboard with a pin in the match. Coach Rahime Young was pleased with how his team wrestled.

According to (NFHS) National Federation Of State High School Associations, female student-athlete wrestling is on the rise thanks to established talent leading up-and-comers female wrestlers.

Dwayne Johnson — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 14:00:07 +0000

Wrestling is one of those sports that is a team sport which places emphasis on individual accomplishment and achievement on every wrestling mat. Last year, there were approximately 308 female wrestlers on high school teams in Virginia. Female student-athletes high school wrestler who hasn’t let their size or her gender get between them. Virginia female student-athletes are part of a growing trend in the state of Virginia and a push for gender equality in the sport of wrestling. Right now, there’s no female wrestling division in the VHSL at the state championship level, but there is a huge push to change that number. It’s a push the association is on board with for the future.

For every varsity team, they only have two female wrestlers or less, but coaches are doing all they can to encourage more to join. According to (NFHS) National Federation Of State High School Associations, (The number of participants in high school sports in 2017-18 reached an all-time record high of 7,979,986, according to figures from the 51 NFHS member state high school associations, which includes the District of Columbia. The number of girls participating in high school sports reached an all-time high of 3,415,306, and boys participation also set a new standard at 4,564,680.) In wrestling, there are no excuses and everything is turned on the mat. High school coaches see the potential and train each wrestler for the championship.

Princes Anne and Kellam Takes The Regional-A Wrestling Championship.

Dwayne Johnson — Sun, 10 Feb 2019 04:57:48 +0000

Kellam won its second straight wrestling regional championship on Saturday when it captured the Class 6A title at the Regional A Championship at Kellam High School. Kellam held off Oscar Smith 253-210.5 in the final team scoring. Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake has one of the most accomplished wrestling programs in Hampton Roads placing runners-up in the Regional 6A Tournament.

As the momentum started to swing Princess Anne’s way, you could hear Princess Anne High School fans cheering in the stands. Willard McCracken needed a win, not only just to capture the match but the big win for the championship regional title in a close race against Nansemond High School. Willard worked his way to a (Fall 6:46) major decision in a overtime win over George Mitchell (21-1) senior of Kecoughtan in the 285-pound. 2019 VHSL Class 6 Region A Results 2019 VHSL Class 5 Region A Results

Coach Johnson went up close with some of Hampton Roads finest wrestlers during the regional championship February 9, 2019.

Hampton Roads High School Wrestling Preview.

Dwayne Johnson — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 13:25:35 +0000

There is no more offseason preparation, but there is plenty more conditioning, making weight, and fine-tuning on the mats. The Hampton Roads High School Wrestling Championship series season starts on the ninth of February. Over the next weeks, we will see some of the best athletes in the state of Virginia battle on the mat with the ultimate goal for top in the weight class and a spot on the podium at VHSL State Championships. Wrestlers to keep your eyes on during the championship series:

Clarence Lee-Green (Princess Anne)

Dominic Abbondante (Salem (Virginia Beach)

Joshua Crandall (Princess Anne)

Julian Holley (Grassfield)

Riley Starcher (Grassfield)

Camron Robinson (Landstown)

Bryce Sanderlin (Landstown)

Tristian Plant (Oscar Smith)

Nic Sansone (Floyd. E Kellam)

Channing Connors (Floyd. E Kellam)

Avery LeBlanc (Grassfield)

Jaden Bullock O.Smith

Isaac Hudson O.Smith

2018 VHSL State Wrestling Championship Series

Dwayne Johnson — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 11:34:54 +0000

State rivalry across the state of Virginia was on display on Friday and Saturday at the 5A/6A VHSL State tournament. Some of Hampton Roads wrestlers answered the challenge on Saturday night and took home the State Invitational title for the season. There’s always a little extra motivation when state titles are on the line. The 2018 VHSL State Wrestling Championship was held at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. Wrestlers competed in the following 14 weight classes: 106 pounds, 113pounds, 120 pounds, 126 pounds, 132 pounds, 138 pounds, 145 pounds, 152 pounds, 160 pounds, 170 pounds, 182 pounds, 195 pounds, 220 pounds, and heavyweights of 285 pounds. Grassfield’s Trevor Burns 29-2 added another big trophy to his collection when he won the 285-pound crown in this weekend’s prestigious heavy weight category. The two-time state champion senior defeated Clay Chadwick (Yorktown) 14-1 in the final. Cameron Walker of Gloucester High who has committed and signed to Hampton University, did not allow a single point in his four wins. Cameron Walker 31-2 over Nick Pierce (Brooke Point) 14-4, Sr. (Fall 2:36)

1st Place Match

Riley Starcher (Grassﬁeld) 29-4, Jr. over Aaron Howell (James W. Robinson) 15-1, Sr. (Dec 5-1)

Pedro Daher (Tallwood) 34-5, Sr. over Matthew Liechty (Hayﬁeld) 8-1, Sr. (UTB 2-2)

Steven Rossero (Tallwood) 28-11, Sr. over Allen Kokilananda (Annandale ) 7-2, Sr. (Dec 9-7)

Bryce Sanderlin (Landstown) 31-4, So. over Garrett Schrantz (Floyd. E Kellam) 26-12, So. (Dec 6-0)

Riley Parker (First Colonial) 28-0, Jr. over Julian Holley (Grassﬁeld) 20-6, Jr. (Dec 10-5)

VHSL 5A Team Scores States 2018

VHSL 5A_6A States Results 2018

VHSL 5A-6A States 2018

VHSL 6A Team Scores States 2018

While Senior Night is often viewed as a celebration of individuals, it also provided an opportunity for the Gloucester Dukes to enjoy being a team on their home floor, one final time.

Dwayne Johnson — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 12:02:49 +0000

Gloucester Dukes host Warwick and Heritage High School for the final home double dual of the 2017-18 regular-season. Gloucester High recognized and honored their senior wrestlers prior to the start of the match. The Dukes started out strong taking the team bout against Heritage; however, the Dukes would then take the next team match. The Dukes battled hard in all, but came up just short giving the Warwick Raiders the advantage. Cameron Walker (captain of the varsity boys wrestling team) enjoyed his individual success and that of his teammates around him. The All- State athlete in two varsity sports will go down as one of the most decorated wrestler and football athlete to don the red, white, and gold. As much individual success as Cameron has had, he continues to give credit to those around him and said he wants to do everything in his power to help them achieve their goal of a team state title. Cameron closed out his final home dual season strong, leading into the 5A Regionals Championships on February 9-10 and then VHSL Championships on February 16-17.

The 9th Ocean Lakes Wrestling Invitational 2018

Dwayne Johnson — Sun, 28 Jan 2018 12:47:25 +0000

At the 9^th Ocean Lakes Wrestling Invitational 2018 twenty-two high school teams squared off at Ocean Lake High School in Virginia Beach. The tournament displayed some of Hampton Roads dominant wrestlers in this area. The Kellam Kights wrestling team captured the 2018 Ocean Lakes Wrestling Invitational team championship. Julian Holley, Riley Starcher, Anthony New, Gavin Corbe, Kolby Allred and Trevor Burns of Grassfield were all undefeated for Ocean Lakes Wrestling Invitational, who went 4-0 on the evening to secure the individual weight class title. Trevor Burns has won 2017 state titles for Grassfield H.S. and will be competing to repeat his state championship in the heavyweight class category. Oscar Smith H.S. will next head up to Grassfield H.S. on Saturday, Feb 3, 2018 to compete in the crosstown rivals competition.

Tournament Weight Class Results:106 113 120 126 132 138 145 152 160 170 182 195 220 285 Team Scores Tournament Results

2018 VIRGINIA DUALS

Dwayne Johnson — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 13:33:27 +0000

The 38^th Virginia Duals finished business at the Hampton Coliseum on Sunday with a youth wrestling tournament. But on Friday and Saturday, the floor of the Coliseum was alive, with at least 1,000 high school and collegiate grapplers flipping and tangling on the ten mats, which stretched across the length of the floor in two rows of five.

The athletes came from all over the country to tangle in a tournament known simply as “The Granddaddy of Them All.” And to experience the Duals, whether as a participant, or a fan, is to witness one of the most prestigious and well-run events in the country.

Forty-eight high school teams squared off in one of the three divisions, while 21 colleges took part in either the National and American categories. Eighteen of those schools came from Hampton Roads, and while no team claimed a championship, one – Poquoson, made it to the finals in the American High School division. To reach the final against Camden Catholic, the Islanders had to first get past Gateway Regional High. And with five bouts remaining in their semifinal match, the Islanders trailed 28-12. Colten Hicks and Ian Burress scored decisions over the Goetz brothers, Tom and Matt, in the 170 and 182-pound bouts, Mason Fiscella followed at 195 with a 51-second win by fall, closing the lead to four points. Robert Henesey, who injured his ankle and had not wrestled all season before the previous evening, stepped in at the much heavier 220 weight and followed with a second period fall that gave Poquoson a 30-28 lead and brought the Poquoson faithful to their feet. At 285, in a must-win situation, Dalton Jones sealed the victory with his 4-1 decision over Christopher Guy. On Friday, in the Haddonfield match, the Islanders overcame a near-emotional blowup to sneak past Haddonfield. Poquoson jumped to an early 20-0 lead after four matches, but saw its point cushion evaporate to six after Haddonfield captured the next three bouts, and the Islanders were penalized a point in the 145-pound bout. With their lead cut to 19-13, the host team fought to pull together. Cordell Johnson scored a fall at 152. But the New Jersey foe answered with a fall of its own, leaving the score at 25-19. Burress’ 8-3 decision bumped the lead back to nine, but Poquoson fell victim to a dubious injury in the 182-lb. bout as the Haddonfield wrestler hit the mat hard in his bout against Hicks, and stayed on the ground. Haddonfield was granted the win, as Hicks was disqualified, and at 28-25, the Bulls lead became shaky. However, Fiscella scored a 23-9 major win, boosting Poquoson to a 32-25 lead, meaning they had to win the next match at 220 pounds to seal the victory. For the first time all season, Henesey entered the circle. The 3A state champion at 182-lb. last year, the 5-7 senior still weighs a shade less than 190. In a rugged performance, he extended a 3-all tie in the bout’s final minute with a reverse and escape to claim a 7-4 decision, guaranteeing the Islanders the semifinal berth. Grassfield and Woodside competed in the elite National Division. The Grizzlies were blasted by 14-time state champion Christianburg 64-12 in its opening match, but they came back to win their first wrestle back match 43-23 over Orange. Heavyweight standout Trevor Burns scored a first period fall at 285 pounds for Grassfield, who also scored pins by Riley Starcher (113), Christian Schumaker (120), Hunter Jurgens (126) and Amiri Carter (195). St. Paul’s eliminated the Grizzlies 56-12 in the next round. Woodside had a tougher time in its first Duals appearance since 2006. The Wolverines lost, 82-0 to nationally ranked (#47) Nazareth (PA). The Wolverines also lost to Smyrna 69-9 in their second-round matchup. However, the Duals served their purpose, according to coach John Wright. “We’re really getting to feel and experience what the next level is,” said Wright, now in his second year as Woodside’s coach. “It serves as a motivator, because there is only so much experience that a group of guys can gain year-round. This serves as a good benchmark.” The Wolverines won two bouts in the Smyrna match. Sophomore D’Angelo Wilson (126) won by fall over Drew Mayhall, and Jayson McDade (160) scored an 8-6 decision victory. “(Wilson) is a good kid and he put it together today. When the opportunity for a fall came up, he moved in and got it.” Speaking of McDade, Wright added, “He’s a senior co-captain and a guy who has put in the off-season work. He was aggressively conservative today, didn’t make any high risk moves, and he had a technically sound match.” The Wolverines showed their mettle in the final match of the day against Orange County. Trailing 33-24, Woodside made up six points with a forfeit at 182, and then took a three-point lead when Isaac Mamea won by fall over Brandon Walker at 195. However, the Orange scored with pins at 220 and 285 to sneak away with a 45-36 win. Kellam was the highest placing South Hampton Roads team, placing third in the American High School division with its 33-29 victory over Westfield, from Chantilly. The Knights spotted the Bulldogs an 18-0 lead before beginning its comeback, which culminated with Carter Thornton’s 6-3 decision over Kareem Kabil, which sealed the match for Kellam. Princess Anne and First Colonial dropped first-round matches, but faced each other in the first wrestle back match, with First Colonial winning 43-29. Tallwood also won all of its qualifying matches to reach the championship match in the Black and Blue Division, but they lost 43-21 to Grundy, who was the state’s only team champion. By Jim McGrath (jfmcgrath65@gmail.com)

High School Divisions Bracket Results:

2018 VA DUALS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Bracket

2018 VA DUALS BLACK AND BLUE TOURNEY Bracket

2018 VA DUALS AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL Bracket