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As the referee’s hand slapped the mat, Washington senior Bryant Smith let out a triumphant roar to celebrate his 100^th career victory at the end of Wednesday’s quad meet against Northside, Goldsboro and Northeastern.

Smith, wrestling in the 165 lb. class, pinned his Northside opponent to set off a wild celebration with fans and teammates that was four years in the making.

“To reach 100 wins means you have to have a solid freshman season,” coach Chris Penhollow said. “He has been outstanding for us since he arrived and he’s improved every year. We managed to keep it pretty quiet before tonight and it was a cool surprise for him.”

Smith, a three-time state qualifier, went 3-0 on the night to remain undefeated this season.

Freshman Bryce Perry (113) also stayed undefeated as the Pam Pack disposed of their three opponents while only losing four individual matches all night, two of those to an improving Northside squad, who defeated Goldsboro and Northeastern before losing to Washington.

“Our guys did well for the most part against some good 2A competition, Northside coach Daniel Garcia said. “It helps us get better to face more experienced opponents and have some success. It’s also good to take our lumps a little, so the guys keep working hard to improve.”

Senior Gus Vansant (175) and heavyweight Nick Jordan pinned their

Washington opponents.

Meanwhile, Southside picked up a road win over North Lenoir at Ayden-Grifton Wednesday before dropping home conference matches to Lejeune and Pamlico County Thursday.

Sophomore Jonathan Sales (190) defeated both conference foes and went 2-1 with the Seahawks only victory over Ayden-Grifton.

“I’m really proud of him for the way he works to improve every day in practice,” coach Stanley Dixon said. “He was strong when he came as a freshman last year and his technique is a lot better this year because of the work he’s put in. We have a lot of young wrestlers in our program and it’s good to get them out on the mat as much as possible. Pamlico and Lejeune have solid programs and it helps us to face them.”

Washington travels to New Bern for the Swiss Bear Invitational Saturday, while Northside and Southside resume action next week.