By Ashlee Mullis
The Patrick County Wrestling Team finished tied for 13th place in the Class 2 State Championship that was held at the Salem Civic Center on Feb. 21 and 22. They had four wrestlers who qualified to compete in this season ending tournament and two of them placed, earning a spot on the podium in their respective weight classes.
As a team they were just a few points away from finishing in the top 10.
Alfredo Gutierrez was the only senior, and he finished the season with a 44-10 record.
Coach Timothy Lawson said, “He was our leader and set a good example for our younger guys. It will be hard to replace a hardworking and outstanding young man like Alfredo.”
He was a 2020 District Champ and Runner-up in the 2C region at his 120-pound weight class. Alfredo had previously been a two-time State Qualifier. He finished 4th and medaled in a tough 120-pound weight class. He went three and two for the weekend on his way to the podium.
Owen Smith was one of the three juniors on the team and finished the season with a 45-9 record. He was also one of the leaders this season.
Lawson said, “The good thing about Owen is he will be back next season for his senior year. Like most of our wrestlers he improved his skill level and fundamentals throughout the season. Along with other returning members of our team he is going to hit the weight room hard in the off season and return next season with renewed vigor that includes more horsepower when he steps on the mat.”
He was a 2020 District Champ and Runner-up in the 2C region at his 132 pound weight class. He is a previous state qualifier, and he finished 4th earning him a medaland a place on the podium.
Darious Williams won two matches during his first trip to the state championships in his 145-pound weight class.
“He wrestled hard and gained some valuable mat experience which will help him in the future. The good thing about Darious is he is also a junior and will be back again next season,” Lawson said.
He finished the season with 31 wins in a tough weight class. He also was a runner-up in both the 2020 District and 2C Regional Tournaments.
Trey Robertson won one match and lost two in his first trip to the State Championships in his 138-pound weight class.
Lawson said, “He wrestled hard and gained some valuable mat experience which will help him as he continues his high school wrestling career.”
Trey finished his season with 28 wins, a runner-up District Tournament finish, and a 3rdplace finish in the 2C Regional Tournament.
