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Washington High School junior Isaac Campbell takes on his Wheaton HS opponent in Saturday’s 2A state wrestling tournament in Trinity, N.C. (Kim Campbell/For the Washington Daily News)

Pam Pack junior Isaac Campbell pinned his opponent from Wheaton HS in the first round of the 2A state tournament in Trinity, N.C. (Kim Campbell/For the Washington Daily News)

WHS senior Adam Bonner made his first state tournament appearance in the 195 pound class Saturday in Trinity, N.C. (Kim Campbell/For the Washington Daily News)

Washington High School sophomore Bryant Smith during the 2020 state tournament.

Pam Pack senior Tristen Nixon made his third 2A state tournament appearance Saturday in Trinity, N.C. (Kim Campbell/For the Washington Daily News)

WHS freshman Braxton Woolard made his state tournament debut in the 106 pound class. (Kim Campbell/For the Washington Daily News)

Washington High School ‘s wrestling team won one match in Saturday’s 2A state tournament at Wheatmore High School in Trinity, N.C.

Junior Isaac Campbell pinned his Wheaton HS opponent in the 126-pound class to advance in the COVID-19 winner take all format.

Campbell lost his second round match to his opponent from Fred T. Foard on a pin and his season was over.

“My second opponent was way tougher than the first round,” Campbell said. “He pretty well strapped my legs so I couldn’t do anything. I used the fireman’s move on the first guy where I grabbed his arm and leg and threw him over my shoulder. I wish it was double elimination like last year, but it wasn’t.”

COVID-19 pushed the season from winter to spring and forced the state association into condensing a three day tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum into one day which each classification at a different venue.

There were no wrestle-backs, which provided a second chance after a first round stumble.

“Our guys could have used the old format this year, but that’s the way it goes,” coach Chris Penhollow said. “They lost to good wrestlers from the West bracket who all placed highly.”

There were 56 wrestlers across all weight classes from the East and only four made it to the semi-finals.

“That’s been the trend the last few years, but we just have to work harder and smarter to change it,” Penhollow said. “Tristen (Nixon) lost to the eventual runner-up, Isaac’s (Campbell) guy finished third after a second place last year and Adam’s (Bonner) opponent finished third. I think they could have maybe made the podium with double elimination, but you never know.  It was a big accomplishment for the freshmen to make this far and they learned what it’s like. At least we had a season. We weren’t sure of that for a while, but I’m glad we did.”

Freshmen Braxton Woolard (106) and Bryant Smith (145) were pinned in the first round, along with seniors Tristen Nixon (152) and Adam Bonner (195).

“It was still a positive experience for all of us,” Campbell said. “I liked that it was a little smaller than last year. I learned that I need to work on getting my legs stronger and defending them more. There are plenty of mat drills for that and I’ll start working on them after a

The Pam Pack could have used them as freshmen Braxton Woolard (106) and Bryant Smith (145) were pinned in the first round, along with seniors Tristen Nixon (152) and Adam Bonner (195).

“It was still a positive experience for all of us,” Campbell said. “I liked that it was a little smaller than last year. I learned that I need to work on getting my legs stronger and defending them more. There are plenty of mat drills for that and I’ll start working on them after a little break.”

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