Salem, Va- Staunton River High School from Moneta, Virginia put on a show-stopping performance at the VHSL Class 3A state wrestling championships at the Salem Civic Center. Making history, the school had an incredible 8 wrestlers advance to the Finals, ultimately clinching the tournament team championship with an impressive 195 points. Their dominance was clear from the start, with the team practically sealing the title after a commanding semifinal round.
In the 132lbs weight class, 2x state champion Colin Martin showed off his skills with a first period pin over Adam Ayala from New Kent after running a half off of double boots. At 138lbs, Peyton Hatcher secured a victory by pinning Gage Cockran from William Byrd, taking him feet to back late in the third period. Caiden Saavedra at 144lbs defeated Evan Mefford from Christiansburg with a score of 8-2.
In the 150lbs weight class, 2x State Champion Noah Nininger dominated his match with a first period tech pin over Quinn Morrison from New Kent. Defending State Champion Brady Barns at 157lbs pinned Cooper Roberts from Lord Botetourt in the third period after executing a reinforced bar tilt. Macon Ayers, also a defending State Champion, won in the 165lbs weight class by defeating Joey DiVello from Skyline with a score of 6-2.
Josh Kelly at 175lbs secured his spot in the finals with an impressive 8-1 decision over Cole McGinty from Western Albemarle. Landon Jabber-Spence rounded off Staunton River's success by winning a dominant semifinal match, tech pinning his opponent Andrew Soto (Grafton) in the second period off of takedowns. The finals are set to begin at 4:30pm.
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