Varsity Wrestling

7 of 9 Wrestlers Earn State Berths

As Mason Places 3^rd in Regionals

 

By Nick Pitas (February 28, 2006)

 

 

Seven of nine Mason wrestlers competing in the Region B Tournament qualified for next weekend’s state finals as Mason finished third overall last weekend at Strasburg High School. A record nine wrestlers competed in the tournament by virtue of their strong performances the weekend before in the Bull Run District Tournament. The seven who advanced to states placed in the top four in their respective weight classes.

Those who wrestled in the regional tournament are: 112 pounds: David Ray 3^rd; 119: Jake Schwind 4^th; 125: Tashdid Kahn 6^th; 130: Nick Pitas 2^nd; 135: Andy Millar 3^rd; 145: Trevor Quillin 6^th;  160: Ramsey Hannah 2^nd;171: Barret Kennet 3^rd; 189: Steve Parks 2^nd.

 

In the first round of competition, eight of the nine competing Mustangs won their matches, with 145 pounder Trevor Quillin dropping a decision to the top seed in the region. One major surprise of the first round came from freshman Jake Schwind, who pinned the number one seed in the tournament in just over three minutes. Another Mustang, junior Andy Millar, pinned the first seed at 135 pounds in the final period, capping a multiple point comeback. In the semifinal round, the Mustangs managed to advance three wrestlers to the finals. Senior Nick Pitas (130), junior Ramsey Hanna (160) and sophomore Steve Parks (189) defeated their opponents, and clinched a berth in the state tournament then and there. The semifinals was not without its share of drama, as Steve Parks’ opponent from Buffalo Gap was forced to injury default his match.

Top Row, Left to Right: Rick Schumann, Trevor Wuillin, Barratt Kennett, Jake Schwind, David Ray (in arems of) Nick Pitas. Bottom Row, Left to Right: Andy Millar, Tash Khan, Ramsey Hanna (strinking a pose) Steve Parks.

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In the consolation bracket, four Mustangs advanced to the consolation finals, and clinched a berth in the state tournament next weekend. Finishing 3rd for the Mustangs were freshman David Ray (112), junior Andy Millar (135), and sophomore Barret Kennet (171). Following up his first round upset victory, freshman Jake Schwind (119) finished in fourth position.

 

This weekend marks the end of the competitive careers of two seniors, Tashdid Khan (125) and Trevor Quillin (145). Both wrestlers managed to finish in 6th place, one round out of qualification for the state tournament. Khan’s loss came on the heels of a 2nd place finish in the Bull Run District, in only his 3rd competition since returning from injuring both knees. Quillin, who qualified for the regional tournament as a bit of a surprise, fell one match short, as he was pinned while leading his opponent from Chatham.

 

The seven remaining Mustangs will travel to Salem this Thursday afternoon, and begin wrestling on Friday. For those who qualify, the competition will continue on Saturday, culminating in the medal rounds that evening. The Mustangs would like to thank volunteer coaches Shaw Cohe and Mason graduate Terrence O’Grady for their support this year.