Matt Simpson Heads

Randolph Union High School grappler Matt Simpson earns a spot in the New England tournament as a sophomore after an outstanding season. (Herald / Bob Eddy)

To New England’s

By Betsy Simpson

On Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23 , the Randolph Wrestlers went to the wrestling state finals. Matt Simpson had a good two days coming out with third place and qualifying for New England’s.

Simpson’s first match was against Tony Barrows of Mt. Mansfield. Simpson won the match by points, 16-1. Simpson’s next match was against Cody Wilkins of Mt. Anthony. Simpson unfortunately lost to a pin in the third period. Simpson then wrestled Alex Gendreau of Vergennes. Simpson pinned him in the third period with a pin time of 5:28. Simpson’s next match was against Brandon Brill of Colchester. Simpson won by points, 12-0. This win put Simpson in third place.

Taylor Hold didn’t have too bad a day either. Holt’s first match was against Lucas Hughes of Mill River. Holt lost this match to a pin in the second period. Holt then moved on to wrestle Kyle Odell of Middlebury, and pinned him right off the bat with a pin time of 00:47. Holt then wrestled Erik Becker of Otter Valley. Holt was pinned in the first period. Holt still went on to wrestle Kyle Lane of Mt. Anthony. Holt was pinned in the third period, leaving him a sixth place finish.

Nathan Bacon, a first year wrestler, is getting better every match he wrestles. He might not win his matches much yet, but he is getting better and trying his best at a difficult sport. Bacon was pinned in the second period, working hard the whole match. Bacon then wrestled Kyle Graham of Mt. Mansfield and was pinned in the second period.

Also at the J.V. states younger Randolph wrestlers did a good job. Nathan Brown placed fourth at states, Blake Quillia place sixth at states, and Jacob Flint placed second. Congrats, also, to Simone Arnold for finishing first at the Essex Warrior team tournament.

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