[dropcap size=”4″]A[/dropcap]s the seniors stepped onto the mat for the last time in their high school career, memories from their time as Bruins flashed into their mind. Years of dieting and hundreds of practices later, the team ended its last home match of the season with a 42-29 victory over North Callaway High School (NCHS) and a 58-17 loss to Centralia High School (CHS).
Beginning with the CHS dual, 106-pound freshman Evan Diehls won by technical fall, tacking on five points for the Bruins. Despite pins by 126-pound senior Brock Davis and 132-pound freshman Grant Williamson, the team was unable to keep their lead and dropped the match by 41 points.
“I felt good about my performance and the team as a whole,” Diehls said. “If we could get more guys at some different weights, I think we could beat teams like Centralia.”
The loss to CHS didn’t stop RBHS from turning around and dominating the next dual. Starting with 120 lbs. freshman Chase Daack winning by forfeit, the Bruins started the match with a 6-0 lead. Followed by Davis getting a pin with four seconds left in the first period, the Bruins’ lead stretched to 12-0.
“The duals went pretty well,” Davis said. “I actually accomplished a goal I made for myself which was to tech someone in the first period. I’m feeling pretty good and as a result, I’m wrestling well in the duals.”
After Davis’ pin, 138-pound freshman Aydin Rodriguez secured a pin, further extending the lead. Senior Isaac Lage, junior Don Hammers, sophomore DJ Baker and Diehls all won by forfeit, sealing the 42-29 victory over NCHS.
“Knowing it was my last time ever wrestling at Rock Bridge made me sad because the boys and coaches on the wrestling team became a second family to me,” Lage said. “I’m going to miss them a lot.”
Looking forward, RBHS will compete against Troy Buchanan High School and Francis Howell North High School Jan. 18 and Jefferson City High School Jan. 31 before continuing to postseason competition. The Bruins will spend the remaining time preparing for their state tournaments. Davis has hopes to medal again this year, and uses his faith to help him.
“Everything has just felt like it’s going to be better,” Davis said. “If I had to give you a concrete plan as to what I’m going to do to prepare for state, it would be to make sure to keep walking with God and getting my conditioning up.”
Bruins conclude senior night with intensity, grit
January 9, 2017
Yousuf El-Jayyousi
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