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was slow. Neither wrestler could gain an advantage and the second period closed out 0-0. Then Hunsburger scored the only points of the match to seal a 2-0 win.
That loss put Greg into contention for seventh or eighth place. Greg’s opponent was to be Jason Schrinder, but Jason did not show up and Greg took the win for seventh place.
Conner Miller opened the tournament on Saturday morning, facing 27 wrestlers in the 75-pound division. After receiving a first round bye for his number one seed, his first opponent was Chris Smith from Orange. Chris and Conner had wrestled many times in the past, with the older Smith usually prevailing.
This time it would different. Conner started tentatively but led 4-0 at the end of the first period. Then Smith tied the score in the second period at 4-4. Each wrestler scored two points in the third period, forcing overtime. Conner was aggressive and recorded a two point takedown and racked up three back points to secure an 11-6 decision in overtime.
Allen Pittman of the Hampton Jaguars was the next opponent. Conner wrestled aggressively and led 11-0 before pinning Pittman in the opening seconds of the second period with a near side cradle.
That win put Conner into the semi-finals against Matt Hatcher of the Richmond Talon Wrestling Club. Matt was clearly one of the best wrestlers in this division. Neither wrestler was able to score in the first minute and a half of the first period.
Then the scoring came in a flurry. Hatcher recorded two points on the takedown. Conner countered with a one-point escape, only to be taken down again by Hatcher.
Conner chose the down position to open the second period and recorded an escape in the closing minutes of the period to bring the score to 4-2. Hatcher chose neutral to open the third period. Conner recorded a takedown to even the score but was unable to turn Hatcher. Conner faced another overtime decision, but he came up on the short end of the stick as Hatcher scored a takedown to end the Match 6-4.
Matt Hatcher later won the .75 pound state championship and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler in the fifth and sixth grade division under 115 pounds.
That loss dropped Conner into the consolation bracket facing Chris Smith of Orange again. Both wrestlers knew that a loss would end their tournament. Smith scored first on a takedown. Conner opened the second period with a reversal to even the score, and then scored a three point near fall before locking up a nearside cradle for the pin and the win.
Conner then faced off with Austin D’ Amico of the Kellum Mat Rats in the Consolation Finals. Conner wrestled like a man possessed and recorded an 18-3 tech fall early in the third period to claim third place.
Each of these fine wrestlers made tremendous strides to add to already remarkable records. Both wrestlers reached deep within themselves to reach levels never before experienced in their young careers.
They are thankful for the coaching from the Rappahannock High School coaching staff and team, Mike Weir, Roger Mello, and especially Culpeper Cobras coaches Roy Haun, Erie Brown, Sam Hunsburger, Rick Fox, and Jerry Grafolo. Conner is in his fifth year and Greg is in his second year with the Culpeper Cobras.
Greg and Conner both left ODU Field house with bitter disappointment. This drive to win and reach their best is exactly what carried than both to this success at such a high level of competition. Each has learned a valuable lesson. They will have to work a littie harder and wait another year before their goals can be met
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