Washington’s wrestling season ended sooner than anyone would have liked. That’s especially true of the team’s seniors, who all expressed the desire to win a dual-team state championship before hanging up their Pam Pack gear.

The team got to finish out the campaign in style as they were given new singlets to wear for Tuesday’s first- and second-round matchups. But Carson Asby went out with a little more flair. He recently picked up his 170th career win, which broke the school’s all-time record.

“Coach (Chris) Penhollow told me when I was at 168 wins. I knew Justin Moore had the record at 169,” Asby said. “I knew I could get it done. … I was really happy. Still, my real goal was to win a state championship. That’s what I wanted more than anything.”

Asby joined Washington after spending his freshman and sophomore years at North Pitt. Penhollow knew that he was getting a special talent in the 126 pounder. The Pam Pack had wrestled against Asby and the Panthers when they were in the 2-A Eastern Plains Conference.

“He’s a tough, hard-nosed kid that starting wrestling young with the Buccaneer club team,” Penhollow said. “We were excited when he moved to the area. … I usually forfeited and bumped around him because he was so good.”

Being the competitor he is, Asby said he’d rather be on the mat to earn a win than to sit back and win via forfeit. He didn’t hold that against the Pam Pack, though. He enjoyed his chances squaring off against Washington and was excited to join the team when he moved.

“I just remember that they were really good. I remember always wanting to wrestle my best friends,” Asby recalled. “I have family from Washington. I was happy to come here, join them, and hopefully win a state championship as a team.

“Still, all together, no matter what happens, I love all my teammates and my coaches. I’m glad for the support.”

Asby and the Pam Pack seniors fell short of that mission to bring a team title home. The season isn’t quite over yet. Asby is ranked fourth in 2-A in the 126-pound weight class. He has a shot at placing at the individual state championships in Greensboro, which start on Feb. 15. The regional qualifications will begin Feb. 9.

“I know we can turn things around and get things done,” he said. “We’ll practice really hard this week and next week. … It would mean a lot. I’m really hoping to take No. 1, bring it all back and celebrate with my teammates.”

The entire Pam Pack senior class has left a legacy at Washington. The group has helped the team go undefeated in conference competition for four-straight years. They’ve set an example for those coming up behind them.

Penhollow is excited about what that means for the team’s future.

“I just drive the bus and hope everything else works out,” he laughed.