Rosewood soars past opposition
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 8, 2010 1:46 PM
PRINCETON -- Total domination.
The Rosewood wrestling team emerged victorious in just five weight classes, but convincingly claimed the 2010 Carolina/Four Rivers 1-A Conference tournament championship contested Saturday at Princeton High School.
The Eagles, who had 10 all-conference performers and 14 placers overall, compiled 185 points during the day-long event. Runner-up Ayden-Grifton scored 93 points, followed by Spring Creek (91), Princeton (83.5) and Manteo (73).
It was Rosewood's 14th tournament crown in program history.
"Our coaching staff couldn't be more pleased with our wrestlers this weekend," said Eagles coach Bill Edmundson. "We still have much room for improvement."
Nick Quillen, Scott Pate, Tyler Dean, Josh Pipkin and Cameron Lane each turned in gold-medal efforts. Chris Lane, Zach Behrend, Will Sawrey, Jacob Roberts and Taylor McGill each took second in their respective weight divisions.
Greg Cavenaugh and Jacob Guthrie each ended up third, while Jamie Wooten captured fourth.
"Coach Gambino has been drilling and working advanced technique sessions which are preparing our guys for postseason competition," said Edmundson. "We have had a grueling season with 35 dual-team matches and three individual tournaments. Mat time is paying off in these tight matches.
"I think our guys have developed a sense of maturity and have the experience to perform well in the postseason."
Spring Creek's individual champions were Daniel Richter and Jerome Butts at 119 and 130 pounds, respectively.
Princeton had three gold-medal performers -- Matt Evans, Forrest Stewart and Derek West. Ayden-Grifton and Manteo each had two individual champions.
Rosewood (28-7 overall) and Ayden-Grifton return to action Tuesday in the N.C. High School Athletic Association dual-team playoffs. The Eagles wrestle Pamlico County, while A-G faces perennial power Dixon.
"There will be no easy matches," said Edmundson.