RAEFORD — For the first time ever, Richmond County Schools’ middle school wrestling team took to the mat Wednesday in its program and season opener at East Hoke Middle School.
A project that was nearly two decades in the making was well worth the wait, as Richmond County swept the day’s competition. Coached by Richard Kerekes and Andre Ellerbe, Richmond County’s team is comprised of wrestlers from Cordova, Ellerbe, Hamlet and Rockingham middle schools.
Richmond County took down host East Hoke Middle School 66-42 in its first match, before ending the day with an impressive 72-35 victory over West Hoke Middle School.
Against the East Hoke Eagles, 10 different Richmond County wrestlers picked up six points each with wins by pinfall. They were: Damon Bryant, Matthew Burns, Irwin Campos, Tykeem Ellerbe, Sebastian Fullwood, Henry Jimenez, Dylan Locklear, Naamon Perakis, Messiah Shaw and Val’Jashe Whaley.
The final six points in the victory came from William Whitley, who won via a forfeit because East Hoke didn’t have a wrestler in his weight class.
In the second match against the West Hoke Pride, there were more forfeit victories than pinfalls that aided Richmond County. Bryant, Burns, and Whitley were joined by Vance Goodwin, Jaxson Martin, Kmauri Morgan and Kaleb Williams in getting forfeit victories in the second go-around.
Fullwood, Locklear and Shaw would be the only three Richmond County wrestlers to win both of their respective matches by pinfall. Also against West Hoke, Aiden Roundtree and Raymond Shupert picked up six points by pins.
Wednesday’s action was the first of seven meets this season. Currently 2-0 on the young season, Richmond County will prepare for hosting its first ever meet next Wednesday, Dec. 5.
It’ll host fellow Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference opponents Sandy Grove Middle School and Scotland County at Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy. Matches are set to begin at 4 p.m.
Meet information provided by Allen Adeimy.
ROSports encourages middle school athletic directors and coaches to email scores and game information to sports editor Kyle Pillar at kpillar@richmondobserver.com.
