Following a strong start to its season, Academy’s wrestling team used its Winter Break as an opportunity to hone its skills. Competing in four meets when school was out and once this past week, the Vikings had consistently high individual rankings, but not as many team victories.

On Saturday, December 16, the Vikings competed at the East Knox Invitational, placing sixth out of 17 teams. There, senior co-captain Josh Pearson’18 placed first in his weight class, Phillip Soderberg’20 and Chris Sugar’21 each placed second in their respective weight classes, and senior co-captain Angus Soderberg’18 placed fourth in his weight class. 

The Vikes had their first home meet of the season on Thursday, December 21, competing well against Grandview Heights, Marion Franklin, and St. Charles. To round out their 2017 calendar year, Academy competed in an intense tournament at Marion Harding on Saturday, December 30, sending multiple wrestlers to the second-day finals.Though Academy did not win either of the events, its wrestlers held their own and fought hard.

The Vikings then had their first match of 2018 at Grandview Heights’ Bobcat Invitational on Saturday, January 6. Although the Vikes only placed 11th out of 17 teams, Pearson received runner-up honors in his weight class, and Eric Menq’19, Ethan Halpern’21, Keir Gorospe’21, all placed 4th in their weight classes.

Academy traveled to West Jefferson on Thursday, January 11, for a tri-meet against the Roughriders and the Grandview Heights Bobcats. The Vikes lost to West Jefferson, 52-6, but prevailed over Grandview, 42-24.

CA will host its second home meet, the Kevin Michael Invitational, on Thursday, on January 20. The Vikings will face wrestlers from Beechcroft, East High School, Hilliard Darby, Northland, and Western Reserve Academy.