MHS wrestlers begin post-season competition
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| Middlesex’s Chad Page (right) will battle for honors in the 160-pound weight division. (Photo by Tom Chillemi) |
by Larry S. Chowning
The Middlesex High School wrestling team defeated Group AAA John Marshall of Richmond, 48-26, in a tri-meet at Caroline High School on January 25.
Middlesex also lost 54-21 to Caroline and 52-17 to Armstrong in the same meet.
Two Charger wrestlers—Darrien Fisher in the 170-pound class and Devante Robertson in the 132-pound class—each won all three of their matches in the tri-meet.
Vladimir Rowe (heavyweight) and Tyler Seay (152 pounds) each finished with 2-1 records.
Ridge Ellis, Brandon Jessup, Blake Damron and Alek Fomin all were 1-2 in their weight classes. Peter Mantell won one match, and Chad Page went 0-3 in the 160-pound class.
“It was good for our wrestlers to see a couple of triple A schools from the city,” said MHS coach Joel Anderson. “There are always good athletes from Armstrong and John Marshall, as well as Caroline, but our guys showed them that our small country boys have just as much fight and athleticism as the the big-city school kids.
“All of our coaches were very proud of the effort put forth by our team. We showed a lot of heart and good conditioning,” he said.
Middlesex competed in a five-team meet at Mathews on Saturday. Robertson and Fisher won all five of their matches, Rowe and Jessup went 4-1.
Jessup broke the Middlesex High School season record for takedowns with 41. The record was formerly held by Conrad Maszack, who had 33 in 2007.
The Chargers ended their regular season with a 9-19 record. “Not too bad with all the injury problems we have had this year,” said Coach Anderson.
“I want to thank Mrs. Amy Ellis and the Seay family for providing support all season, as well as all the other strong supporters of our program,” said Anderson.
The Tidewater District meet was held Wednesday, February 1. The Region A Tournament will be held at Mathews High School on Saturday, February 11. The Group A State Tournament will be held at the Salem Civic Center on February 17-18.
