Wakulla competes in Billy Saylor Duals
By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent
The War Eagles traveled to Live Oak to compete in the annual Billy Saylor Duals on Jan. 10th and 11th.
Suwannee coach John Wainwright and the Bulldogs welcomed 14 teams from all over the state who came to compete in the event. A sampling of teams from each classification were represented. Among them were notable teams like No. 2 ranked Zephyrhills Christian, No. 9 ranked Florida High, and of course 7th-ranked Wakulla, and the host school, 4th-ranked Suwannee, all from 1A.
From 2A, 10th-ranked Lincoln was in attendance and from 3A, No. 15 Buchholz and Viera High School.
Wakulla’s first dual of the tournament was a rematch against district foe Florida High. The War Eagles had defeated the Seminoles just 11 days earlier.
This dual was more of the same with Wakulla cruising to a 54-22 victory.
In round 2, the War Eagles took on Bay High. The match would serve as a sneak peek to their upcoming match in the FHSAA regional round of the Dual State Championship tournament on Jan. 16th. The War Eagles easily defeated the Tornadoes 68-5.
After a bye in round 3, Wakulla took on Union County in round 4. The War Eagles routed the undermanned Tigers 78-6 on the strength of 6 pins and 7 forfeits.
In their last bout of the evening, Wakulla faced Zephyrhills Christian Academy. The War Eagles lost 57-17, but their efforts throughout the day were enough to advance them to the silver pool on Day 2.
On day two, the War Eagles rose before sunrise to travel back to Suwannee to begin the next phase of the tournament. The Viera Hawks from Melbourne were their first opponents of the morning. Viera won the first two matches by pinfall at 190 and 215, but Wakulla came right back with two pins of their own to even things up.
The two traded wins back and forth in similar fashion throughout the contest, but the Hawks ended up outscoring the War Eagles 40-30.
In what ended up being their last match of the tournament, the War Eagles faced the Buchholz Bobcats. The Bobcats beat Tallahassee Lincoln the previous night, but the 3A power from Gainesville just didn’t have enough firepower versus Wakulla. The War Eagles prevailed 41-33.
Regarding the boys performance, Coach Nate Litowsky said, “This weekend our team stepped up at the Billy Saylor Duals, finishing with a strong 5-2 record. The hard work and determination our wrestlers showed on the mat is what we have waited for.”
Next up for the War Eagles is the FHSAA 1A Regional Duals at Suwannee High School on January 16th.
Lady War Eagle wrestlers Abbie Blanchard, Emma Riggs, and Julia Baggett also made the trip to Suwannee. Blanchard went 1-4. Riggs won two and forfeited one.
Julia Baggett went 3-1. Her first was a 17-16 decision. The next two were won by pinfall. In Baggett’s only loss (20-10), she had her opponent nearly pinned in the second period, but ran out of time.
The girls will travel to Gulf Breeze on Jan. 18th for the Ryan Blackwell Girls Invite.
Riversprings wins county championship
By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent
The Riversprings Wrestling Team became Wakulla County wrestling champions in 2004 under the direction of Coach Shannon Smith. Last Thursday night, the Bears were looking to win their 22nd consecutive County Championship under 2nd year Head Coach Dy’Juan Carney.
We all know two decades is a long time to do anything.
To put this streak into perspective consider this: Ryan Qualls was on the 2004 team and now his son Landon is currently on the team.
The Bears asserted themselves early with two quick pins. At 85 pounds Braylon Turner pinned Brantley Frazier in 27 seconds and at 90 pounds Landon Qualls pinned Cale Porter 14 seconds into the second period.
Undaunted, the Wildcats struck back with two pins of their own. Brady Strutz pinned Dustin Colvin at the 1:29 second mark and Yang Wong Lugo pinned RMS’s Bryson Paul in 58 seconds.
For 12 weight classes the Wildcats matched the mighty Bears blow for blow.
After the 150 pound match had concluded the team score was tied up 36-36.
RMS got 4 pins and 2 forfeits the rest of the way compared to WMS’s 8 points via a technical fall and a decision.
The final score was RMS 72 WMS 44.
WRESTLER of the WEEK
Cole Manning
“Cole’s hard work and belief in the system have been game changers. He stepped up big for his teammates this weekend and is setting the standard. Keep an eye on him, he’s just getting started.”
Coach Nate Litowski
COACH’S CORNER
“Each match was an opportunity to grow, and the team took full advantage, proving that we’re heading in the right direction. While there’s always room for improvement, we’re proud of the fight and heart these students displayed. We’re on a mission, and this weekend was another step forward. We’re on to Regions and week 6.”
Coach Nate Litowski
