It was a chilly December night, but walking into the gymnasium warmed you up quick. The small but passionate women’s wrestling team had hit the mats after warmup, and parents lined the bleachers. Because of Topsail’s small ranks, the girls had won multiple bouts by forfeit. But the last game for the girls ended in an explosive win by Katherine Le-bui.
As the women shuffle out of the gym into the locker room, the boy’s junior varsity starts their matches. Isaiah Gregory, an accomplished freshman, quickly gained the advantage over his opponent and won. Leonel Rodriguez also took the win for JV.
Once JV had finished their time on the mat, Topsail’s Varsity ran out for warmups while our guys went to the locker room. After around fifteen minutes of cartwheels, stretches and running, Topsail finally sat back down in their corner and West Brunswick came out for their version of warmups.
After warmups finished, the team captains met in the middle before the matches began. Sophomore Tristan Winburn is the standing Team Captain for West, and he happened to be the first on the mats to wrestle. The former state qualifier won his match quickly, and another sophomore, Chris Bui, was up next. Bui kept the streak alive with another win against Topsail, but the next sophomore, Joshua Connick, lost after a long fight. Another loss followed after a valiant try by senior Cyrus Gregory. But another losing streak was broken by junior Bryson Mabe, whose hand was raised after three rounds.
Although by the end of the night, Topsail had the higher score, our team was proud of their efforts and still learned a great deal.
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The referee signals for points to be scored as wrestler Katherine Le-bui pins her opponent. Her hand was raised for the win quickly after this.
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Former state qualifier, Tristan Winburn wins his match against Topsail wrestler. Coach Whitman watches proudly in the background.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Sophomore Callie Roessler patiently waits for her match to start. Standing on the mat with her team behind her she’s ready for anything.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Tristan Winburn waits for the referees whistle. He had the advantage before going out of bounds so he gets the better position for reset.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Junior Bryson Mabe holds down a Topsail wrestler in an attempt to keep his opponent in the bottom position. This worked in the end with Mabe taking the win.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Players and students watch the bouts unfold from the players seats. A combination of wrestlers and friends both support the team.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Senior Cyrus Gregory had an explosive match against Topsail. He quickly sprawls so that his legs can’t be grabbed.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Both high school teams gather in a circle on the mats before varsity begins. A prayer is said as the crowd watches in silence.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Kevin Llanos engages in a collar tie against his opponent. He tries to redirect him to a takedown just after this.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Leonel Rodriguez gets his hand raised by the referee after a successful bout. His coaches discuss the next contender in the back.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Decked out in pink foot and headgear, sophomore Joshua Connick, grabs his opponents leg in order to flip him on his back.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Chris Bui clinches his opponent and gets ready for a takedown. Although both of their feet are planted on the ground, this will quickly change.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Freshman Isaiah Gregory sprawls on top of his opponent. After this advantageous move he won the match.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Varsity runs around the mat before their matches start. Warmups are important, so as not to have injuries.
Photo by Ava Williams
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Senior Leonel Rodriguez shakes hands with his opponent after the match. It’s important to show sportsmanship while representing our school.
Photo by Ava Williams
