Published: 12:10 AM, Wed Feb 22, 2012
South Cumberland high school wrestlers follow dream of state title
By Bruce Armstrong
It's every high school athlete's dream to be a state champion. For most, that dream never becomes a reality; however, dreaming big and setting high goals drive athletes to work hard and be the best they can be.
Only a special few high school athletes earn the opportunity to compete in a state championship match or game. Several South Cumberland high school wrestlers will have that opportunity at the NCHSAA 4-A State Individual Championships Thursday through Saturday at the Greensboro Coliseum.
The right to compete at the state individual championships had to be earned by finishing in the top four of a weight class at the NCHSAA Eastern Regionals last weekend at St. Andrews College in Laurinburg.
At the 4-A Eastern Regionals, two South Cumberland athletes won regional championships. Xavier Martinez of South View was the 126-pound regional champion, and Aaron Dickson of Jack Britt was the 145-pound regional champion.
Six South Cumberland wrestlers were Eastern Regional Tournament runners-up: Andrew Wanovich of Jack Britt at 106 pounds, Garrett Hinton of Jack Britt at 113 pounds, Harley Silver of South View at 120 pounds, Cory Maxwell of Jack Britt at 126 pounds, Malik McDonald of South View at 182 pounds, and Troy Cain of South View at 220 pounds. Each of these regional runners-up will also advance to the state championship tournament.
Three more South Cumberland wrestlers earned the right to compete for a state championship in Greensboro by finishing either third of fourth in the regional tournament. They were Kieran Hunt of Jack Britt at 120 pounds, Michael Palmer of Jack Britt at 132 pounds and Saetyre McDowell of Jack Britt at 195 pounds.
Only eight wrestlers statewide in each weight class qualify to compete at the state individual championships. It's a testament to Coach John DeWeese of Jack Britt and Coach Cam Spence of South View that 11 of their athletes qualified. Each of those young men through hard work , dedication and talent earned the right to pursue their dream and compete for a state championship.
The South Cumberland community is very proud of these athletes, and we wish them success this weekend. I would love have the chance to recognize several state champions in future columns.
See you at the games.
Bruce Armstrong is a lawyer who lives in Hope Mills. He can be reached at lawyerarmstrong@aol.com.