Without guys like Justin “Weasel” Moore and Marquin Hill, the Washington wrestling team may not have the individual star power of recent years but what it does have is a young and hungry team filled with athletes aspiring to fill the shoes of those departed state champions.
Their chance to shine will come this weekend as the Pam Pack will bring Cameron Davenpot (106 pounds), Jason Gardner (113), David Giordano (120), Shand Carter (126), Chris Bohn (138), Thomas Remick (145), Devon Van Cura (152), Ned Batts (160), Chris Coogan (170), Jack Rodman (182), Kyle Krajewski (195), Ian Stroud (220) and Tim Jordan (285) to the NCHSAA 3-A East Regional meet at Rocky Mount High School.
Overall, Washington is taking 13 athletes to the meet which has Pam Pack coach Daniel Riggs not only excited about this weekend, but the long-term prospects of his team.
“This is the most I ever sent to the regional tournament. Since we are a young team and have everyone returning next season I am excited now and for the future,” Riggs said. “The younger guys can use this as experience for the next couple of years. I expected Jason, David, Thomas, Bohn, Ned, Jack, Kyle, Devon and Tim to make it. They have been our leaders and dedicated all year.
“The biggest surprises on making the tournament are Cameron, Shane, Coogan and Ian. They worked hard all year and it has really paid off. They deserve the chance to perform at the regional tournament.”
Riggs has produced three state champions in the past two seasons with Moore winning one and Hill taking back-to-back crowns and said that the key to success this weekend is for his wrestlers to perform with confidence.
“I keep telling my guys that it is possible and that anything can happen when they give 100 percent when they step on the mat,” Riggs said. “I have had guys in the past seeded 10 or 11 shock people and qualify for the state tournament. They just need to believe in themselves and go after it.
“I keep telling them that the only person preventing them from going to state next week is themselves. I believe in them, they just need to believe in themselves.”