The VISAA held its preliminary state championship matches today and several local wrestlers managed to advance to the state’s quarterfinal round which will be held Saturday. Here’s a look at who got through.
Covenant
The Eagles got a trio of wrestlers into the state tournament. At 132 pounds, Zach Scharf advanced on a bye in the opening round and a 6-3 decision in the second round. He’ll face Miles Edmond of North Cross who advanced on a bye and a 13-3 major decision over Blue Ridge’s Jose Espinoza, who won his first round match by pin.
At 145 pounds, Jack Veliky advanced to the quarterfinals on a bye and a 9-4 decision. He’ll face Trevor Hayes of Paul VI Saturday.
In the heavyweight class, Rick Weaver is in the quarterfinals after a bye, at 44-2 on the year the freshman didn’t have to wrestle his way into the quarterfinals. He’ll face Matthew Keller of Pope John Paul in the quarterfinals.
Woodberry Forest
Woodberry’s Andrew Holmes, a senior, advanced to the quarterfinals on a bye and a second period pin of Hargrave’s Rob Englander.
Freshman Davis Smith advanced to the quarterfinals at 160 pounds with a bye a first period pin of Roanoke Catholic’s Jacob Elliott. He’ll take on Fork Union’s Jonathan Muniz.
At heavyweight, senior Darby Henagan advanced to the quarterfinals with a pin in the third period. He’ll face Shaheem Alpharan of Fishburne who beat Travis Gibson of Fork Union to advanced.
Fork Union
Jonathan Muniz, a junior for the Blue Devils, advanced to the semifinals with a 12-8 decision against Covenant’s John Huemme. Muniz will face Woodberry’s Davis Smith in the quarterfinals.