Thomas Jones’19 takes down his opponent. Chris Heermann’18/Media editor.
Academy’s wrestling team had a chance to regroup and recover after last week’s MSL meet, as those who were sick or injured returned to the mat. The Vikes had a strong backbone of wrestlers at both their home meet—and Senior Night—on Friday, February 9, and an invitational tournament at Dublin Jerome on Saturday, February 10.
The Vikings celebrated the successes of 3 seniors on Friday, February 9, at a ceremony preceding their meet against Bloom Carroll, Centennial, and North Union. The first wrestler honored was Carson Nichols, who has been battling an injury all season. Next, co-captains Josh Pearson and Angus Soderberg were recognized, with Pearson also being commended for his MSL title and 100 victory milestone.
After the ceremony, 3 rounds of wrestling began. Most Academy wrestlers fought twice during the tournament. The Vikes faced some fierce opponents, but they kept on pushing until the very end. Thomas Jones’19, Eric Menq’19, and Chris Sugar’21 each had one victory out of their two matches. Soderberg and his brother, Philip Soderberg’18, both had amazing comeback victories by pin in their matches, each exciting the crowd. Pearson absolutely dominated his opponents, easily winning both of his matches. Although there were several losses for the CA individually, the Vikings performed well, bouncing back from the disappointing team results of last week.
The following day, Saturday, February 10, Academy’s freshmen traveled to Dublin Jerome for the Freshman All-Star Tournament. Although only a few Vikings competed, Academy persevered through it all, showing great effort.
The Vikings have three matches next week. The first pits them against host Thomas Worthington, New Albany, and Whetstone, on Tuesday, February 13.
Academy then has its final home meet of the season on Wednesday, February 14, against Cristo Rey, Grandview Heights, and Northland.
The Vikes hit the road again on Saturday, February 17, for a tournament at Olentangy Orange, rounding out their week.
