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It’s been another successful wrestling season for the Randolph-Henry Statesmen. The high school team clinched its second straight James River District title, then turned around this past weekend and had multiple wrestlers either win their weight class or place in the Top Three, qualifying for the state tournament. 

The competition took place this past Saturday, Feb. 15, as the Statesmen made their way to Poquoson High for regionals. Facing off against 11 other teams, 10 R-H wrestlers made it to the podium, with three securing a spot in this coming weekend’s state tournament. Also, Randolph-Henry finished fourth overall. 

Under Virginia rules, any wrestler that places first, second or third advances to the next level. Tre Wheeler left no doubt that he was headed to the state competition, winning the 215 lb. weight class. This marks Wheeler’s second straight state tournament. Last year, he finished third in regionals. Also advancing were Patrick Collins, who finished second in the 175 lb. weight class and David Lara, who finished third in the 132 lb. weight class. 

Multiple other Randolph-Henry Statesmen finished in the Top Ten in their respective classes. That includes Noah Norwood, who came in sixth in the 106 lb. category; Joseph Brown, who finished fifth in the 120 lb. category; Collin Dickerson, who came in 5th in the 126 lb. category; Trey Endres, who finished fifth in the 138 lb. category; Randy Adams, who came in sixth in the 150 lb. category; Jackson Ruppel-Lee, who finished fifth in the 165 lb. category and Landon Jackson, who finished fourth in the 190 lb. category. 

“This season has been long and challenging, but our wrestlers have poured their hearts and souls into this sport, and their hard work is paying off,” said Randolph-Henry Principal Erin Davis. “We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished this year, and we can’t wait to see our three state qualifiers compete on the biggest stage this Saturday in Salem!”