Wrestlers Headed to States!

The Varsity Wrestlers participated in the Area Championships this weekend and had tremendous success as five athletes qualified for the GHSA State Championships on Tuesday! Defending State Champion Austin Westbrook continued to dominate his opponents, capturing his second consecutive title at 120 lbs, after pinning his Mt. Paran opponent in the final round. Jackson Kraal (160 lbs) will make his second consecutive trip to States, winning his first Area Title with a pin in the championship round. Freshman Jad Abdelhadi (106 lbs) finished in 2nd place in his first year of varsity wrestling, narrowly falling by a 4pt decision in the championship.  Miguel Valentin (126 lbs) added another 2nd place individual finish for Walker in the Areas.  He delighted Wolverine fans in the early rounds with a first period pin over his Landmark Christian opponent to advance to the championship match.  Finally, Gabe Herlong (182 lbs) capped off the Wolverine group of "top 3" Area placers and 2021 State qualifiers when he earned 3rd place. Also worth noting, Zack Herbst (145 lbs) and Cooper Cranfill (170 lbs) both finished in 4th place. Harry Ann (152 lbs), who pinned his Mt. Zion opponent in the first round and Alex Bitter (132 lbs), who battled his Bowdon opponent to a three-period decision in the consolation semis! For the first time in several years, Walker took 10 wrestlers to the Area tournament this year and they all wrestled incredibly hard and are deserving of praise and credit for their efforts, sportsmanship and character.