By Krystle Bono, Submitted Photo
The Arcadia Firebirds varsity grapplers competed in the Region 2A tournament in Poquoson Feb. 2.
Angel Vasquez earned a third-place finish in the 106-pound weight bracket, giving him a bid to the state finals this weekend in Salem, Va.
Ronaldo Lopez finished fourth at 120, and Austin Studebaker earned a fourth place finish at 285, also giving way to spots at the state finals.
Marvin Gomez and Larry Velasquez finished fifth at 126 and 195, and Abraham Mateos, Osberto Perez, and Harle De la Cruz were sixth in the 113, 132, and 170-pound weight brackets, respectfully.
The Firebirds wrestled in the Warrior Duels Jan. 26, and went 3-2 for the day, defeating Bruton, 51-18, North Dorchester, 48-18, and Norfolk Christian, 54-24, but fell to Western Branch, 78-6, and Fishburne Military School, 54-27.
Arcadia also competed against Snow Hill Jan. 30, and fell 45-30. Vasquez, Gomez, Perez, Mateos, and Joshua Barnes each earned wins during their time on the mat against Snow Hill.
The Yellow Jackets competed last weekend in the Region 1A/B tournament at Mathews High School, finishing fifth overall as a team, while also qualifying seven out of nine wrestlers for the state tournament finals this weekend.
Gary Peart finished at the top of his bracket, and will make the trek to Salem this weekend. The Yellow Jacket senior also earned his 100th win during the tournament.
Brandon Odom also earned a first-place finish. Myles Lewis placed second, and Aizmani Joseph and Gavin Brittingham earned third in their respective weight brackets.
Crescencio Sugia finished fifth. Josh Splawn earned a sixth-place finish, and Alonzo Capers and Jerry Gonzalez finished eighth.
The Firebirds, Yellow Jackets, and Warriors will all compete in the state finals scheduled for this weekend at Salem Civic Center.
