The last matches for Regionals were Friday, February 08, 2019 and Saturday, February 09, 2019. Five of the wrestlers placed at regionals (Charles Grant 1st at 220 lb, Darien Willis 4th at 160 lbs, Roy Coppedge 5th at 285lbs, Shane Taylor 6th at 132 lbs, and Jonathan Devine at 106 lbs). Churchland High has two people who qualified for states to make our school proud.
They left for states Thursday, February 14th travel to Riverside High School in LeesBurg, Virginia to compete on February 15th. Charles Grant placed 3rd in states this year and Darien Willis also made it to states, but didn’t place.
Coach Marriner himself wrestled throughout middle school and high school. He knows all of the ways around the mat. Coach Marriner is analyzing new moves to teach to his team as well as finding new ways to practice.
A set back this season was the fact that they didn't dedicate themselves until later on. Marriner said, ¨The biggest setback is just how playful high schoolers can be. A lot of people don't take things seriously until it's too late.”
Although these young wrestlers may be playful sometimes, he couldn’t begin to express how proud of his team he was. ¨I'm extremely proud of those that went to states. Charles Grant placed 3rd at states this year. Darien Willis made it to states even though he wrestled one weight class heavier. I'm extremely proud of these guys,” said Coach Marriner.
The entire team made great progress and worked well together in encouraging each other to put forth their best effort.
¨We did good. We didn't do as good as last year though, but this year we went 6-5 which is good, but we could always improve,” said Willis.
Marriner wanted to give his team a piece of advice, ¨Now that the season is over, I want my team to know that the work isn't over. Athletes are built in the off-season.¨
Overall, this wrestling season went well for everyone, and they’re all very excited for next season. This is just the start, the team is on to big accomplishments in the future seasons.
Photo: Aniyah Smith