19th Eagle Invitational: Edmundson brings in strong, quality opponents

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 12, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Rosewood High wrestling coach Bill Edmundson compiled -- and studied -- the entry lists as Thursday evening faded into early this morning.

Excitement surged through his veins despite the exhaustive "behind the scenes" work that is necessary to make the 19th installment of the Eagle Invitational run like a well-oiled machine.

Edmundson realized one thing, too. Whoever emerges as the champion in their respective weight class undoubtedly has to navigate a bracket stacked with talent that includes either returning state qualifiers or reigning state champions.

"This year's lineup may be one of the strongest fields ever at our tournament ... a great mix of 1-A through 4-A teams from the coast (of North Carolina) to High Point," Edmundson said.

Opening-round action begins Saturday at 9:15 a.m. Admission is $10 and no outside coolers by either individuals or teams are permitted.

Of the 22-team field, nine advanced to the N.C. High School Athletic Association dual-team playoffs last winter. Edmundson's team finished as the eastern 1-A runner-up for the second consecutive year.

Two-time defending Eagle champ Holly Springs returns five state qualifiers. High Point Central is a pre-tournament favorite along with Topsail, South Brunswick and -- of course -- Edmundson's Eagles.

Nine state qualifiers, including three state runner-ups, will take the mat for Rosewood. Josh Drew won the 170-pound weight class last season. Sam Drew claimed the runner-up spot at 132.

Those two, along with Malique Boyd, Evan Reiss, Kaleb Smith, Garner Beasley, Rayquon Jones and Kaleb Taylor, are expected to finish among the top four in their respective divisions. Josh Drew, Taylor and Smith were state runners-up a year ago, while Jones -- then a freshman -- placed fourth.

"We are looking for several of our guys to place in the tournament," said Edmundson, whose team has posted five consecutive top-six finishes in the traditional mid-December affair.

"(The Eagle) gives us an opportunity to see people we don't generally get a chance to wrestle and see styles that will prepare us for the postseason. I expect Topsail and South Brunswick to be very physical, tough teams. There will be several strong weight classes. Heavyweight should feature two returning state champions and a runner-up."

Archrivals Charles B. Aycock and Eastern Wayne combined to win five Eagle Invitational team crowns from 2003-2007. South Central walked away with the team title in 2008.

The last five Invitationals have been won by three different 4-A powerhouses -- Pine Forest (2009), Millbrook (2010, 2011) and Holly Springs (2012, 2013).