The Vikings brought home a trophy over the weekend from the 3A Mideast Regional Tournament for the fourth straight year, however, it was as the runner-up, said Union Pines High School Wrestling Coach Brian Gray. The team was attempting to win a fourth consecutive regional title, but a senior-loaded Eastern Guilford squad took the title with 206 points to the Vikings’ 175.5.
The Vikings had three champs and four other placers to make it seven qualifiers for the state tournament to be held in Greensboro, Feb. 16-18. With the finals starting at 132 pounds, Brock Sullivan, a sophomore at 160 pounds, was the first Viking to wrestle. He made it back-to-back regional titles and made it look easy, winning by fall just a little over a minute into the bout.
Nicholas Mascolino, 182 pounds, was up next and had a similar result, winning by fall in the first period. Nick returned to the state tournament for a second time after a sixth-place finish last year. The third regional champ was Jayden Crawford, winner by decision 11-4. Jayden is a senior and will make his second and final trip to the tournament.
Colton Collins and Keaton Crawford were regional runners-up, losing closely contested matches in the finals. Keaton, a sophomore, will make his second trip to the state tournament, and Colton, a senior, will make his first. Also making their first trip will be Dantrell Williams, a sophomore, finishing in third, and Aidan Enright, a junior, who took fourth.
Photo: Union Pines wrestler Brock Sullivan poses after a win.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
