By Brennan Waldorf
The Division II, Region A Wrestling Tournament took place last weekend, Jan. 8, at Poquoson High School. The tournament is pre-qualifier for states, and both Nandua and Arcadia participated. The 11-team tournament was won by wrestling powerhouse Poquoson with 259 points, and Nandua was runner-up to the defending state champions, finishing with 169 points. Amelia High took third with 127 points, and Arcadia landed in sixth place with 80 points.
To advance to states, a team must place in the top four in its weight class at the tournament. Eastern Shore wrestlers fared well at the tournament, with both Nandua and Arcadia advancing several wrestlers to the state tournament.
Nandua put 13 wrestlers on the podium with four wrestlers making the finals, one champion and eight wrestlers advancing to the next level. Warriors placing include (106) Colin Ford second place, (113) Ben Gutierez fifth place, (120) Matthew Taylor second place, (126) Carlos Lopez third place, (132) Carlo Balmoria fifth place, (138) Dylan Ross third place, (145) Cameron Mears third place, (152) Devon Nieves sixth place, (160) Joseph Teasley second place, (170) David Gastelum first place, (195) Samuel Ferguson fourth place, (220) Hunter Rippon fifth place, (285) George Stevens third place.
Arcadia finished with seven wrestlers on the podium, with one finalist and four advancing to states. Firebirds placing include (106) Yadria Gomez fifth place, (113) Angel Vasquez third, (120) Abraham Mateos fifth place, (126) Ronaldo Lopez second place, (132) Osberto Perez third place, (138) Marvin Gomez fourth place, (160) Harle de la Cruz-Gomez fifth place.
Qualifying wrestlers from Nandua and Arcadia will travel to Salem next weekend to compete in the State Tournament in Salem, Feb. 21-22, at the Salem Civic Center.
