Union received the Ed Cressel Basic

BRISTOL, Wash. – The storyline for Saturday’s Ed Cressel Wrestling Basic centered on Adam and the Bears.

Three-time Class 1 state champion Adam Gibson of Castlewood delivered one other technical masterpiece because the Union Bears scored 236.5 factors to take the crew title out of 30 squads on the Bearcat Den.

Saturday’s marquee match got here at 113 kilos, the place Gibson dropped a 7-0 choice over Tazewell sophomore Talan Corridor, who received the Class 2 crown at 106 kilos final season.

“I’ve identified Tala for some time and we’re associates,” Gibson mentioned. “We struggle one another and obtain the identical targets, however after the match we’re associates.”

In response to Gibson, his path to success was all in regards to the fundamentals.

“This sport takes a number of work and talent, so it’s important to be devoted,” Gibson mentioned. “You get out of wrestling what you place in. We die after each observe within the wrestling room, but it surely’s a course of.”

Gibson (26-5) is closing in on 130 profession wins, together with his solely losses this season coming in opposition to out-of-state foes.

“I do not suppose I am placing as a lot strain on myself this 12 months as I did as a sophomore as a result of I have been informed it is tougher to repeat as a state champion,” Gibson mentioned. “I competed in junior excessive wrestling and it was at all times my dream to be Castlewood’s first four-time state champion.”

One cause for Gibson’s dominance is his background within the county. Gibson completed fourth on the Class 1 meet final fall.

Union is buoyed by wins from freshman Kenan Spears (120 kilos), junior Thomas Potter (165) and senior Johnny Satterfield at 175. Potter and Satterfield are ranked first within the states.

A grasp technician, Potter has already received two state titles. It took him simply 39 seconds on Saturday to hit his opponent with a “banana cut up.”

“It is a enjoyable transfer,” Potter mentioned. “You slide your foot in and separate your opponent’s legs. I wrestled properly this 12 months and really feel fairly assured. “This 12 months we’re working extra on crew championships as an alternative of particular person titles.”

Potter’s solely two losses this season got here on the Beast of the East event in Delaware. Potter hones his expertise at East Coast tournaments with the Kingsport-based Tennessee Wrestling Academy, the place he trains 4 days per week.

Satterfield (31-2) has a transparent goal. He completed third within the Class 2 event the final three years.

“I misplaced to the eventual state champion by one level twice and the state runner-up my freshman 12 months,” Satterfield mentioned. “It is rather troublesome to come back again from this dangerous style, but it surely offers me motivation for this season. It is now or by no means.”

After Saturday’s 10-1 victory, Satterfield feels all the pieces is in place for a powerful run with a deep lineup.

“We now have good coaches and a powerful wrestling room,” Satterfield mentioned. “We’ll work collectively within the weight room and on the mat.”

The Union was aided by junior Izaak Keith’s second-place end within the 190-pound weight class.

David Crockett was second within the crew rating with 203.5 factors and Rural Retreat was second with 196 factors.

Richlands freshman Andrew Boyd (29-8) posted an emotional 4-0 victory over David Crockett junior Gabe Clark within the 144-pound closing.

“All work pays off. I simply need to hold it going the remainder of the season,” mentioned Boyd, who was a backup quarterback on the Richlands soccer crew final season. “I began wrestling in 2016 and have improved 12 months by 12 months.”

Saturday’s victory on the Bearcat Den was Boyd’s first highschool event title.

“Truthfully, it feels wonderful,” Boyd mentioned. “I belief method and pace. “All these different guys have higher physique power and I haven’t got that proper now.”

The checklist of native winners included Rural Retreat freshman Caleb Gibson at 106 kilos, Rural Retreat senior Eli Blevins (132), Castlewood junior Slade Fort (138) and Graham soccer participant Tristan Hass at 150.

Sensible County Central senior Brady Sturgill (26-5) superior to the 285-pound finals earlier than falling by way of pin to the huge Saba Mushkudiana of Fishburne Army.

aggregation@bristolnews.com — Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports <&dateline> (276) 645-2544

aggregation@bristolnews.com — Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports <&dateline> (276) 645-2544