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Four Washington High School wrestlers competed and three placed in the WRAL Invitational tournament held at Knightdale High School.

The prestigious event that’s been going on since the 1980’s featured 52 teams from the Triangle to the coast regardless of classification with over 40 wrestlers competing in each of the 14 weight classes.

Freshman Bryce Perry (31-2) took his first two losses of the season to opponents from Cape Fear and New Bern, but battled back through the consolation bracket to finish fourth in the 113 lb. class.

“The whole idea was to test him against the very best competition so far so he wouldn’t get complacent and stop pushing to improve,” coach Chris Penhollow said. “He lost to the kid who finished second and to the eventual champ and beat kids from bigger schools around Raleigh. It was a great weekend for him and the others as well.”

Sophomore Gabe Foreman picked up wins over Millbrook, Athens Drive and Wakefield opponents before losing to a Rolesville wrestler in the semi-finals in the 144 lb. class. He defeated his Green Hope opponent, but finished fourth after a loss to Rosewood.

“He lost to the eventual champ in the semi-finals, so it was a good day for him as well,” Penhollow said. “All our guys competed hard against outstanding competition and I give a lot of credit to (assistant coach) Carl Perry for preparing these guys well. He’s put them through tougher college-style practices lately and they are wrestling at a higher level because of it.”

Freshman Sam Boltes went 3-2 to finish seventh in the 106 lb. class, while senior Christian Price fell one victory short of placing at 120.

Washington hosts Edenton and Pasquotank Co. in a tri-match Wednesday at 5:30, then travel to perennial power Bunn for the Wildcat Invitational Friday to end the 2023 portion of the schedule.