Wolverines Sweep Tri-Match Including Romp over MVP
By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer | garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
The Woodruff wrestling team showed its flair for the dramatic.
In a tri-match last Monday night against SCISA powerhouse Hammond School, the Wolverines fell behind, fought from a distance, then took over in the final five weight classes to cap a scintillating rally past the Hawks, 41-38.
On a night that saw lots of exciting action, Woodruff senior Rachel Hayes also won her 100th career match against Hammond, setting the coveted career milestone with a pin at 113 to start the night.
“Really, when I started wrestling, I didn’t think (winning 100 matches) was possible,” said Hayes. “As time goes on it keeps on building up and everyone sees it happen. It’s a great feeling.”
The Hawks controlled the mat as the match progressed through the lower weight classes, building an 18-6 lead. CJ Smith pinned his opponent at 138 to trim the deficit before sophomore Jah Griffith flipped the script on his opponent at 144, earning a late pin after trailing through two periods to even the score at 18-18.
Hammond won the next three, building the lead back to 34-18, but from there the Wolverines took over.
Aaron Young at 175 and Dawson Clevenger at 190 each pinned their opponents to cut the Hammond lead to 34-30. Following a Hawks win at 215, it came down to Adrian Hill at 285 and Grayson Butler at 106. Hill pinned his man less than 15 seconds into the match before Butler dominated wire to wire with a five-point technical decision.
Butler knew going into his match all he needed was a win, not even a tech or pin, but he was focused on the task.
“When we got out (on the mat), we give it everything we have regardless of the circumstances,” said Butler. “We want the win and as many points as we can get. We really appreciate our whole team. They all contributed to the win. It’s just important to have everyone. If they had not won their matches, I would not have been in that position.”
Woodruff head coach Austin Weathers was extremely proud of his wrestlers for continuing to fight back, even after falling behind throughout the entire match against the Hawks.
“I think it just shows the determination of this team and their dedication to each other,” he said. “They go in the practice room and push each other to improve every day, and had the opportunity to show the reward of that. Each of the kids who helped in that comeback win against Hammond knew their job and knew what was riding on it, and they went out and executed to bring home the team win.”
Woodruff 75, Mountain View Prep 6
Woodruff capped the night with a demolition of MVP in a Region 3-3A contest.
With the Stars forfeiting many weight classes, this match was still not without excitement. Smith won again at 138 before Josh Mulak took a victory at 150. Dyonne Hall earned a pinfall at 215 before Hill put on a show at 285, dominating his opponent and recording his second pin of the night. Owen Edmondson and Hayes each were awarded forfeit victories at 106 and 113 to cap the evening.
With both victories, the Wolverines improve to 10-6 overall in team dual matches on the season.
“You really have to believe in the team the whole time,” added Hayes. “And it’s good seeing them believe in themselves, too.”
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Author: gmitchell85
