RAEFORD — The Richmond County Schools’ middle school wrestling program picked up two wins in its season opener on Wednesday.
Made up of wrestlers from the county’s four middle schools and coached by Richard Kerekes, the Raiders defeated host East Hoke 90-18 and West Hoke 75-27 in Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference competition.
“They all wrestled very well,” Kerekes said. “I couldn’t be more proud of everyone on the team for their hard work and commitment to this tough sport. We won 13 out of 18 weight classes (against West Hoke) and we made some small mistakes, but we have plenty of time before the conference tournament to keep improving.
“I also want to thank the parents for allowing their athletes to be a part of the program and for transporting them daily to and from the Ninth Grade Academy,” he added. “I look forward to seeing how this season plays out.”
Against West Hoke, Dylan Nunez (90-pounds) earned three points with a minor decision victory. Teammates Kenneth Bates (145-pounds) and Jason Gainey (170-pounds) both collected six points via a forfeit.
All of the following wrestlers earned six points “for dominating and pinning their opponents,” according to Kerekes: team captain Lane Cipriani (98-pounds), NaSean McBride (120-pounds), Daniel Gomez (126-pounds), ZyQuis Wall (132-pounds), Jayden Scott (138-pounds), Braxton Martinez (152-pounds), Bentley Warwick (182-pounds), team captain John Garcia (195-pounds), Timothy Sloan (220-pounds) and team captain Demonte Martin (250-pounds).
In their match against East Hoke, the Raiders collected 24 points via forfeits. Earning forfeit victories were Logan Staton (76-pounds), Mason Watts (113-pounds), Trent Davis (126-pounds), Bates, Martin and Wall.
Collecting pins in the blowout win over the Eagles were Nunez, Cipriani, D.J. Gainey (106-pounds), McBride, Martinez, Mason Harris (170-pounds), Jason Gainey, Garcia and Sloan.
Kerekes said he was also impressed by winning 15 out of the 18 weight classes against East Hoke. Richmond is now 2-0 to start the new season.
Note: Head coach Richard Kerekes provided information and stats to this article.
