Barely back on the mat two weeks after 8 months of playing other sports, lifting weights, or just hanging out, not all the wrestlers have had time to shed off those few extra pounds they need to get down to their targeted wrestling weight. The Gryphons also have four returning wrestlers from last season's squad in the playoffs with the football team.
With a few returners wrestling up and a handful of rookies in their first matches, the Gryphons had a couple of holes in their opening night line up against a pretty good Rose squad.
Rocky Mount had nobody to fill the 119, 152 or 189 pound slots and basically spotted the Rampants to an 18-0 cushion before anyone hit the mat.
With first time varsity starters filling in several spots and another handful of returners still playing football, the Gryphons fell 27-50. Ahmir Scott (112), Chandler Phillips (135), Guy Williamson (215) and Ezekiel Thorne (HWT) each secured 6 points for the team by pinning their opponents. Johnny Stewart, conference runner-up at 140 pounds last year, finished up the home side scoring, chalking up a 14-4 victory in the 145 pound match for 3 points.
Overall, this was an encouraging start for coach Jones' squad. Yes, the final point total looks deceivingly lopsided in Rose's favor. But, removing the 18 "gimme" points the Gryphons handed out in forfeits, the match was much closer than the final score appears; on the mat, the Rocky Mount grapplers won 5 of the 11 matches contested, and were only defeated 27-32.
A larger than expected crowd loudly cheered on some very entertaining, hard fought matches.
The Gryphons will be hosting Wilson Hunt next Wednesday at 7:00PM. Come out and support the Gryphon wrestling team.
(photo: N. Phillips)
---The Gryphon wrestlers, along with everyone else, are beginning another season with the goal of making the State Championships, above.
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