ROCKINGHAM — An historic moment in program history was the pinnacle of the Richmond Senior High School wrestling team’s season during the 2025-26 school year.
As The Richmond Observer continues its review of the athletic highs from the past school year, one wrestler took the Raider wrestling program to new heights.
Dylan Nunez, a sophomore this past season, became the school’s first ever finalist and runner-up finisher at the 7A state championship meet.
The 120-pounder finished second in his weight class, as the No. 6 seeded Nunez only lost in the championship match by a 9-3 decision.
Also wrestling at the state championship was Jason Gainey, who as the No. 8 seed in the 190-pound bracket made a run at the third-place match.
Here is the original article published on Feb. 22, 2026:
GREENSBORO — History was made over the weekend for the Richmond Senior High School wrestling program.
Two Raiders competed in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 7A state championship at the First Horizon Coliseum Friday and Saturday – senior Jason Gainey and sophomore Dylan Nunez.
It was Nunez who went on a tear and made program history, becoming the first Raider wrestler to ever reach the final round of the state championship.
The 120-pounder nearly reached his ultimate goal of winning the individual state championship, but he settled for state runner-up in his weight class.
Gainey, who closed his high school career with his first trip to the state championship, made a run at the third-place match before being eliminated.
“I’m so proud of Dylan,” head coach Andre’ Ellerbe said. “He’s worked his butt off for this moment and he made program history one match at a time.
“This is just the beginning for Dylan. He’s only a sophomore and he’s shown how high his ceiling can be. It’s an honor to be one of his coaches through his journey.
“And I’m so proud of Jason, too,” he continued. “He’s been a tremendous wrestler for us and he really worked hard to get here. He had some tough breaks at states, but that doesn’t undermine the fact that he was here and gave it his all.”
Nunez places 2nd in 120-pound bracket
At the state championship, only three wins separate a wrestler from hoisting the individual title trophy. Nunez, who has been an anchor in Richmond’s lineup the past two seasons, finished the 7A championship one win shy of doing that.
Winning his quarterfinal and semifinal matches as the No. 6 seed in his weight class, Nunez ultimately fell to No. 1 seed Lucas Angstadt of Ashley High School in the finals.
“My first state championship experience was crazy,” Nunez recalled. “The atmosphere was way bigger than anything I’ve wrestled in before – the lights, the crowd and just knowing everyone there earned their spot.
“The finals felt different. I felt a lot more pressure than usual. I definitely came out nervous and a little stiff, and that made it harder to open up and finish my attacks against a tough opponent.
“What worked best for me was staying disciplined with my conditioning and trusting my style,” he added of his success. “I stayed patient, scored off mistakes and kept good position. I was motivated by all the work I put in and wanting to represent my school and make history.”
In his first match, Nunez defeated Luke Richards (Cardinal Gibbons High School) by an 8-3 decision. Both wrestlers went scoreless in the first period.
Nunez took a 4-0 lead in the second period. He earned a point on an escape (1:45) before adding three points when he took down Richards with 34 seconds left.
Leading 4-3 near the midway point of the third period, Nunez escaped Richards for another point. In the closing seconds, he made another takedown to earn three more points and the five-point victory.
Moving on to face No. 2 seed Landon Logan (A.L. Brown High School) in the semifinals, Nunez followed a similar route to a 15-9 decision victory. A pair of takedowns in the first period combined for six points to give Nunez a 6-2 lead.
A takedown 30 seconds into the second period added three points to Nunez’s score and he built a 13-2 lead with a nearfall and four more points at the 1:12 mark.
Up 13-5 to start the third, Nunez allowed an early takedown, but sealed the victory with a two-point reversal with 1:13 on the clock.
The win over Logan cemented Nunez’s trip to the final round, as well as his place in program history.
In his title bout with Angstadt, Nunez came up short in a 9-3 decision. An escape in the final second of the first period pulled Nunez within two points, 3-1.
Angstadt used a nearfall and a takedown for five combined points in the second, compared to Nunez’s one point on an escape.
Trailing 8-2 to start the final period, Nunez outscored Angstadt 2-1, but couldn’t rally or earn the pin. Both of Nunez’s points came on a reversal.
“It means a lot to me to be Richmond’s first state runner-up,” Nunez said. “It shows my hard work paid off, and it feels good knowing I set a new standard for the program.
“Even though I came up one win short, this motivates me a lot because it showed me how close I am to the top.” he closed. “It makes me even hungrier to improve and come back stronger to chase a state title the next two years.”
Gainey makes run at third-place match
Gainey, who has been another pillar of the wrestling program the last several years, entered the 190-pound weight bracket as the No. 8 seed.
He started his state championship tournament against No. 1 Deyari El Amin (Hillside High School) with an 8-1 loss. Gainey scored his solo point with an escape in the first period.
Moving to the consolation bracket and a chance to still place third overall, Gainey was set to face Amanuel Kahsai (New Bern High School). But Gainey had to forfeit the match due to “not making weight,” Ellerbe explained.
Although his performance didn’t result in what he wanted, Gainey said he was still glad to have the experience.
“My experience at states was fun,” Gainey recalled. “There were really a lot of dog fights, and those dog fights make winning so amazing. I felt great being able to run for the title, it was an awesome experience.
“This may have been my last time on the mat, but I will say I gave it my all,” Gainey closed. “I was blessed to be able to represent our school as a Raider and I will continue to do so.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity I had, but it doesn’t end here. The lessons I’ve learned from wrestling I will use forever. And congrats to Dylan for second place. He earned it.”
