Area Sports Champions Honored

Wrestling and basketball champions were crowned Saturday, and the area is proud to boast its share of winners.

At left, Covington High School wrestler Chris Bowden, center, holds his championship hardware after winning the 130-pound Group A state wrestling championship Saturday night at the Salem Civic Center.

At left is runner-up Ethan O’Connell of Madison County, while at right is third-place finisher Calep Bartee of Rye Cove. At right, the Bath County Chargers hold the Pioneer District regular season plaque and the tournament championship trophy after their exciting 39-38 victory over James River Saturday night in the Pioneer District tournament championship game at Bath County High School.

The Bath County girls claimed their first district championships since 1971. (Gavin Dressler and Larry O’Rourke Photos)