Senior Josh Pearson in full control. (Riley Hennessy’20)

Senior Josh Pearson traveled to Ohio State University for the state tournament on Thursday, March 8, the lone representative of CA’s wrestling squad. He won his first match before dropping the next two, closing out a sensational year.

Wrestling in the 220 weight class, Pearson faced Bradley Lewis of Bethel-Tate High School in the first round. Despite his impressive 45-8 record, Lewis proved to be no match for Pearson, as the Viking tallied a victory via pin in the second round.

Pearson advanced to the quarterfinals on Friday, March 9, and took the mat with St. Joseph Central Catholic wrestler, Noah Price. He battled hard, but Price eventually outlasted him, 5-1.

Now in the consolation bracket, Pearson’s next opponent was Caleb Carpenter of Liberty Center High School. Carpenter fended off a valiant effort from Pearson, earning a victory by major decision.

With a phenomenal senior campaign in which he finished with a 38-10 record and surpassed 100 career victories, Pearson cemented himself as one of the greatest wrestlers in Columbus Academy history. He, along with classmate Angus Soderberg, will be difficult to replace, but the Vikes have plenty of young talent and are primed for another successful season next year.