Published: Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010 / Updated: Thursday, Feb. 04, 2010 04:37 PM
York grapplers defeat Clover; region tourney next
CLOVER --
The York Comprehensive High School wrestling team defeated rival Clover 51-13 in a Region 3-AAAA match at Clover last week.
A strong performance by the Cougars and three Blue Eagle forfeits made it difficult for host Clover to compete at its desired level.
“Our kids are wrestling well,” York head coach David Spencer said after the match. “Both teams are young, with only two seniors competing for Clover and York.”
With participation on the rise and the wins mounting, Spencer is pleased with the direction the YCHS program is headed.
Competing in the 189-pound weight class, York’s Zong Fu pinned his opponent.
“I was able to pin my opponent by taking advantage of positioning,” Fu said of his winning effort. “I was surprised the pin came early. It usually happens later in the match.
“Our team is getting better. Everybody is supporting us.”
Cougar mainstay John Brantley earned a 6-1 decision in the 145-pound weight class.
“I finally wrestled in my own weight class,” noted Brantley, who previously competed in a heavier class. “I continue to train hard each week.”
Corey Troutman bested his opponent 5-3 in the heavyweight class.
“We met the challenge,” Troutman said of the team’s success against Clover. “Our program is getting stronger.”
Robert Cunningham had another strong showing for the Cougars, pinning his opponent in the 112-pound weight class.
Dre Belton also pinned his opponent in the 130-pound weight class.
Ta Cannon continued his success in the 140-pound weight class, prevailing 6-1.
Aero Thao won by a 6-4 decision in the 103-pound weight class and Trent Hull prevailed 12-8 in the 152-pound class.
Beau Nunn, Jesse Green and L. J. Walton won by forfeit.
With wins over Union and Chester in last Friday’s four-way match, the Cougars are gearing up for this Friday’s region tournament at Fort Mill High School.
“The top four finishers qualify for the state,” commented Spencer. “Ta Cannon is a defending state champion.”
Brantley, a junior, feels the Cougars will be a strong presence in the region event.
“There were times we couldn’t beat Clover and Northwestern,” noted Brantley. “We beat both of them last week.”
Troutman agrees with Brantley’s take on the season.
“We have a good opportunity to make a strong showing in the region tournament,” he said.
Said Spencer, “The kids are doing everything we ask them to do. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Blue Eagle threesome prevails
Despite the lopsided overall results against the Cougars, there were some bright spots for the Blue Eagles last week.
Clover’s Josh Finigan continued his dominance in region competition by pinning his opponent in the 160-pound weight class.
“I wrestle with confidence and to gain an advantage on my opponent,” Finigan said of his success in the region. “I play it safe not to make a mistake that would give my opponent the advantage.”
Said Finigan of his win against the Cougars, “I got the pin when my opponent made a mistake using his hands.
“You have to take advantage of the opportunities.”
Dan Camp won his match 7-3 competing in the 125-pound weight class.
“I gained the advantage and didn’t allow my opponent to tie me up,” Camp said. “That was the difference.”
Clover’s Cole Bowlin dominated his opponent, earning a 13-2 decision competing in the 171-pound weight class.
“I kept the advantage and scored a lot of points against my opponent,” he said. “You have to want it. You have to step up.
“So much of wrestling depends on your mental approach to the sport.”
The Blue Eagle wrestlers are eager to make heir presence felt in Friday’s region tournament.
“I am working hard to prepare for the region tournament,” Camp said of Friday’s event. “My goal is to make it to the state.”
Added Bowlin, “I look forward to the challenge of the region tournament.”
Finigan, a force in the region all season, hopes to carry his success into the tournament.
“It will be tough but I’ll be ready,” he said.
The CHS grapplers defeated Nation Ford 46-24 last week.
Finigan (160 weight class), Dylan Pursley (285), Brown (103), Jacob Tolin (112) and Camp (125) pinned their opponents.
Nick Leitten defeated his opponent 12-1 in the 135-pound weight class.
Adam Rose and Justin Ashley won by forfeit.
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