The Shadow
LYNCHBURG Va, (VR) – The VHSL 3C wrestling tournament concluded yesterday with intense competition across all weight classes.
Alleghany High School’s Nick Powell made a significant impact in the 106-lb division, securing a 6th place finish and contributing valuable points to his team’s overall standing. Powell, who entered the tournament with an impressive 35-10 season record, faced early adversity in the championship round. Fauquier’s Chase Ramsay (27-12) pinned Powell in 3:18, sending the Alleghany wrestler to the consolation bracket. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Powell bounced back with two consecutive technical falls. He dominated Tunstall’s Chloe Simmons (28-6) with a 19-3 victory in 3:30, followed by a shutout 15-0 win against Tabb’s Jayden Crotty (27-5) in just 2:21. Powell’s winning streak continued in the third consolation round where he secured a major decision victory over Warren County’s Joseph Savage (25-13) with a score of 19-10. This string of victories showcased Powell’s technical skill and mental toughness in high-pressure situations. In the consolation semi-finals, Powell faced a formidable opponent in New Kent’s Carter Roy (30-17). Despite a hard-fought match, Roy emerged victorious with a 9-4 decision, ending Powell’s chance for a higher placement. The tournament concluded for Powell with a rematch against Chase Ramsay in the 5th place match. In a repeat of their earlier encounter, Ramsay secured another fall victory at 3:55, leaving Powell with a respectable 6th place finish. Powell’s performance earned Alleghany 10 team points, contributing significantly to their overall standing.
Also, Alleghany’s Carter Nicely secured a bronze medal finish in the 165-lb weight class.
Nicely, who entered the tournament with an outstanding 42-2 record, showcased his prowess on the mat, contributing a substantial 21.5 points to Alleghany’s team score. Nicely’s path to the podium began with a commanding start in the championship round. He swiftly pinned Northside’s Chris Kingery (22-13) in just 1:33, setting the tone for his tournament run. The quarterfinals saw an even more dominant performance as Nicely dispatched Aiden Hess (23-9) from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School with a lightning-fast fall in mere 30 seconds. The semifinal match proved to be Nicely’s most challenging bout. Despite his previous dominance, he faced a formidable opponent in Staunton River’s Macon Ayers (28-4). Ayers managed to secure a tech fall victory over Nicely with a score of 19-4 at 4:46, handing the Alleghany wrestler his only loss of the tournament. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Nicely bounced back in the consolation semifinals. He pinned Cave Spring’s West Wingate (21-11) in a swift 51 seconds, securing his spot in the third-place match. In the bronze medal bout, Nicely left no doubt about his skill and determination. Facing Heritage High School’s Israel Garland (32-10), Nicely delivered a masterclass in wrestling technique. He achieved a tech fall victory with a shutout score of 18-0 in 4:13, emphatically claiming the third-place position on the podium. Nicely’s performance throughout the tournament was a testament to his exceptional skill level and mental toughness. His ability to bounce back from a semifinal loss to secure bronze highlights the resilience that defines top-tier athletes in this demanding sport. As the tournament concludes, Carter Nicely’s bronze medal finish in the highly competitive 165-lb weight class stands out as one of Alleghany’s proudest achievements of the event.
Parker Osborne (33-10) encountered stiff competition in the 190-weight class at the recent regional wrestling tournament. Despite a strong regular season record, Osborne struggled to gain traction in the championship bracket. In the opening round, Osborne faced off against Cave Spring’s Aidan Musselman (24-13). Musselman dominated the match, securing a technical fall victory over Osborne with a score of 15-0 at the 4:28 mark. Relegated to the consolation bracket, Osborne looked to rebound but met another formidable opponent in Skyline’s Ryan Williams (32-17). Williams managed to pin Osborne in 2:40, ending the Alleghany wrestler’s tournament run.
Head Coach Dale Burdette stated that the team made great strides this year compared to last.
“Last season the team was mostly freshman, so the wrestlers had to grow up fast. We were in a position to win every dual we were in, won two tournaments, and that was accomplished with only one senior on the team,” Burdette stated.
Burdette is already excited about next season
“The prospects for next year are very promising. Can’t wait,” he exclaimed.
