A week after losing to Northside in wrestling by two points, the Salem Ironmen defeated Glenvar by just one point, 40-39, in the Salem High gym last week.

“The win was the first dual win against Glenvar in a long time,” said Salem coach Lawrence Van Liew. “Two weeks in a row the duals were decided by less than a field goal. It was nice to come out on the winning end.”

Of the 10 matches actually wrestled Glenvar won six and Salem won four, but Glenvar forfeited two weight classes and that cost the Highlanders the match. Salem also had Tae Hale back, who missed the match with Northside and his absence likely cost Salem a win in that one. If Tae had won in his weight class against the Vikings, or just kept from getting pinned, Salem would have won that match as well. Hale got a quick pin against Glenvar.

“Coach Van Liew is a great coach and has improved their program greatly in two years,” said Glenvar coach Stan Malek. “I have respect for their program and it’s great to see both schools in the 24153 getting better.”

Glenvar also competed at the Chatham Duals last Saturday, going 3-2 on the day. The Highlanders  defeated Jefferson Forest, Appomattox and Chatham while falling to Lebanon and Nottoway.

Glenvar was scheduled to compete in a Quad on Wednesday of this week at James River with Alleghany, Covington and the host Knights.  That will be followed up with the Rural Retreat Invitational on Saturday.

Salem is entered in the “Big Blue” at Christiansburg this Friday and Saturday. Host Christiansburg will be the big favorite in a tournament that will include around 20 teams.

Next Wednesday the Spartans are in Danville to wrestle George Washington High, Dan River and Patrick County. The Salem team is entered in Glenvar’s “Highlander Invitational” at GHS on January 28.

The middle school wrestlers will be at Northside Middle on Saturday for the annual “Norseman Tournament.”