The Valley Christian wrestling team had a strong season with many tough meets to compete in. The Trojans worked hard and faced some other athletes from larger schools like Hamiliton, Campo Verde, and Casteel. During the postseason so far, Juniors Hannah and Bella Goldman have both placed 3
rd at sectionals on February 8th in their respective weight classes and therefore both have qualified for the state tournament.
The boys now have sectionals this coming Saturday, February 14
th and have a total of 5 players competing. In order for the wrestler to make it to the state tournament, they have to place in the top four at sectionals in their weight class. If they place in the top four, they will qualify for the tournament, which is a 16-person bracket format, and be given a seed according to their placement at sectionals. Senior
Carson Groff leads the team with his 37-2 record and is currently ranked 2
nd in the state. He added that "I am hoping to place 1
st at sectionals and receive a #1 seed for state."
Another one of the wrestlers set to compete in sectionals is Senior
Jake Rockafellow who just recently got over an injury but nevertheless wants to "wrestle confident and free using the skills I have developed over the past few years." Freshman
Jacob Miner has also had a great season with over 40 takedowns. He had this to say about when he competes "I always give 100% no matter what." Make sure to keep an eye out for Senior
Carson Groff and Freshman
Porter Cross who are both frontrunners for winning sectionals and placing in the state tournament.
Head Coach
Jay Olinger emphasized how proud he is of his team "committing to being in wrestling the whole year and putting in all of the work and conditioning to be where they are now."
The State Championships for boys wrestling is on February 20
th-22
nd. The girls State Championship is on February 21
st -22
nd. The state tournament will be held at the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum. Both of the Trojans teams are looking forward to the opportunity of competing at state. State is a 16-person bracket for each individual weight class. Make sure to cheer on your Trojans!
UPDATE: Both Carson Groff and Porter Cross finished 2nd in their respective weight classes and made it to state at sectionals last weekend! Congratulations, boys!
Boys State Information:
https://azpreps365.com/championships/wrestling-boys
Girls State Information:
https://azpreps365.com/championships/wrestling-girls
