Salem High was second and Glenvar was fifth among 18 teams that scored in last weekend’s Big Blue wrestling tournament in Christiansburg.
The Spartans were the top team from Virginia as Fort Mill High from South Carolina won the tournament with 275 points. Salem was second with 198.5 while host Christiansburg was third at 162.5. Grayson County was next with 153.5 and Glenvar was fifth with 146.
“Another great weekend of wrestling,” said Salem coach Lawrence Van Liew. “We had a few guys come back to the lineup who are still not 100% percent but they made a big difference.”
Salem had two champions, Sayge Herndon at 106 and Derek Bush at 120. Three other Spartans made the finals but settled for second, Kolynn Eastman at 126, Anthony Baudanza at 132 and Robert Herndon at 285. Wrestling back to win consolation finals for third were Giuseppe Baudanza at 138 and Keegan Price at 190, and taking fourth were Patrick Patterson at 113 and Aaron Gordon at 190.
“It really was a whole team effort again this weekend,” said Van Liew. “This year we have faced adversity, illness, injury, etcetera, but still have managed to take first, second and second at some very big competitions. I am excited for post season with this momentum we are building.”
Glenvar had a champion with Levi Wright at 144. Nick Yetzer was second at 113, Haden Henderson was third at 150 and fourth places went to Jack Yetzer at 106, Jack Osburn at 157 and John Vishneski at 165.
Glenvar is now off until the Highlander Invitational on January 30 and 31. Salem was at Blacksburg for a quad match on Wednesday and tonight, Thursday, the Spartans have a tri-match in Daleville with host Lord Botetourt and Jefferson Forest. This weekend Salem is at Orange County for the “Coach K Memorial” tournament.
“Very big tournament,” said Van Liew.
