Bailey captures first-ever gold medal at Eagle Invitational

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on December 10, 2007 2:51 PM

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Those arduous afternoons of working out in a sweltering wrestling room and serving as a practice partner to experienced teammates paid dividends for Charles B. Aycock's Brandon Bailey on Saturday.

A first-year varsity starter, Bailey claimed his first-ever gold medal against individual competition and the Golden Falcons successfully defended their Eagle Invitational crown Saturday.

Bailey emerged the 130-pound champion with a 3-2 decision over North Pitt's Keyvin Dixon. His first-place effort -- along with gold medals from Drake Gurley, Jarrett Covar and Khiry Reid -- helped C.B. Aycock compile 187.75 points in the 19-team event.

"As a whole, the team wrestled extremely well and is continuing to show improvement as the season moves forward," said first-year Golden Falcons coach Mark Bass. "To win a tournament such as the Eagle Invitational, you must get points from all of your participating wrestlers, and that is what we did.

"Nearly every wrestler in our lineup won at least one match, with most winning two or more."

Gurley seized the 119-pound title. Covar and Reid picked up the 215 and heavyweight championships, respectively. Justin Farrell, competing in just his third varsity tournament, took second at 112 pounds. Kevin Carmel and (140 pounds) and Josh Grimes (171) each returned home with a silver medal.

Brian Diorio wound up in a four-way tie for third place at 189 pounds.

Aycock collected its fourth Invitational crown of the season.

"Drake, Jarrett and Khiry have really dedicated themselves to performing at a high level this season," said Bass. "It is showing not only in tournament championships, but also in team leadership and their approaching in preparing for every single match."

Eastern Wayne senior Chris Tesar ended the day-long tournament with 169 career wins -- a new Wayne County record. Tesar (17-0 this season) pinned Edenton Holmes' Anthony James late in the first period of their 125-pound final.

Jordan Harris fell to Gurley in the 119-pound title bout, while sophomore Drew Tesar placed fourth at 112 pounds. A.J. Washington grabbed third at 135 pounds and Brandon Darby was fourth at 171.

The Warriors recorded the fourth top-six outing of the season with 108.5 points.

"We showed up with 11 (wrestlers) and four were JV," said Eastern Wayne head coach Mike Brown. "Our five or six kids continue to carry the weight of the team. I'm pleased with the number of kids we've got and where we're finishing."

Olivia Neal posted a runner-up finish for the second straight week against the same opponent. SouthWest Edgecombe's Landon Lucas, who upended Neal in the Pierce-Davis seven days ago, routed Neal 15-0 in the 103-pound final.

J.D. Baker (125) and Joshua Holmes (145) captured third in their respective divisions. Heavyweight J.P. Person grabbed fourth place.

Southern Wayne accumulated 84 points and received top-four performances from Tristan Bass (152), heavyweight Josh Robinson, Dustin Richards (140) and Jon Futrell.

Princeton's Josh Williford finished fourth at 215 pounds.

Rosewood (2-0 overall) entertains Princeton in a dual meet Thursday. The Eagles, along with Eastern Wayne (1-2), travel to South Central on Friday.

C.B. Aycock will participate in the two-day, prestigious WRAL Invitational on Friday and Saturday.