R-H continues to hold its own against foes on mat

Published 10:25 am Wednesday, January 9, 2019

Randolph-Henry High School’s varsity wrestling team has put up impressive showings the past two weekends against teams from higher Virginia High School League (VHSL) classifications at massive tournaments.

Warren County High School was the site of a tournament Saturday where the Statesmen placed sixth out of a field of 16 teams that included VHSL Class 5 and 6 schools.

“We definitely held our own against all (Class 5 and 6) schools,” R-H Head Coach Zack Mowery said. “We still have a lot to work on, but I like the progression the kids are making.”

The coach noted that his wrestlers were a little sore and sick ahead of this event but were planning on going and giving it everything they had.

Individually for the Statesmen, sophomore Hayden Clark placed fourth in his weight class, senior Billy French placed fifth, junior Chandler Newcomb placed fifth, junior Izaia Foster placed fifth and senior Layton Payne also placed fifth.

Senior Paul Wendelin did not wrestle due to injuries, and freshman Daniel Lara placed sixth.

The weekend prior, Randolph-Henry competed at Grundy High School in a 45- team tournament and placed 16th.

“The kids wrestled well,” Mowery said.

Junior Danny Parrish claimed fourth place, senior John Wendelin placed eighth and French and Payne each placed 10th.