ROCKINGHAM — A journey nearly four years in the making is reaching its final phase for one wrestler at Richmond Senior High School.
Jordan Hamilton, a senior captain for the Raider wrestling team, is just days away from making a final push for a dream he’s chased since his freshman year – to win an individual state championship title.
The 215-pounder still hasn’t forgotten how his junior season ended last spring and is using that as motivation to lock in for the upcoming postseason.
Hamilton placed fifth overall in the 190-pound bracket at last year’s regionals, just two wins shy of making the state championship meet.
Having added 25 pounds of muscle over the offseason, the three-sport student-athlete is feeling confident heading into this weekend’s regional round, especially as he’s coming off what he feels is his best season yet.
“I am feeling great going into regionals.” Hamilton said. “I have an unofficial third seed as of right now, and after coming off a win against a previous state qualifier, I am confident in my abilities to win against any opponent.
“My regular season results are the best I’ve had since I’ve started wrestling. Although I have a 31-1 record, I still have one loss, which means I still have room for improvement. Consistency on the mat is a big key to continued growth.”
Easily the most dominant wrestler on Richmond’s roster this season, Hamilton has a .969 winning percentage this season. He’s racked up a 31-1 overall record, including 19 pinfalls. His other wins have come via six technical falls, five forfeits and one decision.
That one loss? It was a 6-5 tiebreaker defeat to Nash Mullis at the J.P. Smith Invitational in early January, as Mullis at the time was the No. 2 ranked wrestler in his weight class in the 3A classification.
Displaying a physical dominance while on the mat, Hamilton has developed a prowess this season that uses time and proper decision making to weaken his opponents. Often slowing down the tempo, Hamilton waits for the right moment for takedowns or to score points.
With his slower, more methodical approach to each bout, Hamilton turns what is otherwise a physically demanding sport into more of a psychological challenge for his opponents. Using his brute strength, Hamilton often toys with opponents while racking up the points, and even gives away points to secure another takedown.
When asked what makes him a state-champion caliber wrestler, Hamilton pointed to his dedication and work ethic. In addition to wrestling for Richmond, he’s part of a travel wrestling organization, which has provided more repetitions for him.
“I believe all the time and hard work I’ve put in makes me a contender in the 7A 215-pound championship,” Hamilton explained.
“Not many guys are dedicated enough in any sport to drive an hour two days out of the week immediately after practice to have another high-intensity practice in a room with a heat of 90-100 degrees.”
Having wrestled since his freshman season for Richmond, Hamilton has watched his progress increase each season. As his senior campaign reaches its peak stretch, he said he’s going to rely on everything he’s experienced and learned from the last three years.
“With previous playoff experience under my belt, I know this is the point of the season where it’s all about who wants it more,” Hamilton said plainly. “And I want to be a state champion more than anyone. All of my coaching, experience and time on the mat are really going to help me.”
In addition to making a hopeful state championship run later this month, Hamilton has no desire to see his time on the mat end. He plans to continue practicing even after the playoffs to prepare for a national tournament in Virginia Beach. There, he hopes to make a name for himself and also earn All-American status.
“My ultimate goal right now is to become Richmond Senior High School’s first wrestling state champion in school history,” Hamilton closed. “I believe this is only achievable by wrestling every match like it will be my last.
“I will use everything I have learned within this final stretch of my high school career to achieve my goal. And it all starts this weekend at regionals.”
Set to join Hamiltoin at the regional championship are five of his teammates – Dylan Nunez (120-pounds), Axel Nunez (126-pounds), Hayden Smith (150-pounds), Konner Gardner (175-pounds) and Jason Gainey (190-pounds).
The first round of the 7A West regionals will get underway Friday at A.L. Brown High School and continue through the weekend.
