BLYTHEWOOD – Westwood wrestling has made leaps and bounds over the past year, and this past weekend, during the Carolina Invitational, they showed off their improvements. Second-year wrestler Jeremiah Hightower downed his four-seeded competitor in the State to clinch the Carolina Invitational title.
Senior Captains, Brice Harkness, Deskyshun Davis and Josh Heyward shake hands to get the match started. | Westwood Yearbook Staff
Gabriel Smith upset the top seed, and was one match short of a top three finish. After the invitational, Westwood sits at 20-9, currently the ninth-ranked 4-A team in the state and have five competitors ranked in their weight classes. Last year the Redhawks were ranked at 18 and did not have a ranked competitor.
“I’m so proud of how competitive our kids are and how much their record has improved in a short time,” Athletic Director Jason Powell said.
Westwood beat Silver Bluff, 60-15, and Berkley, 57-21, but fell to Bamberg-Earnhardt 34-48 on Tuesday.
“Our seniors have shown leadership and dedication,” Head Coach David Strait said, “and will definitely be missed.”
Regional matches will be held at Westwood High School Saturday, Jan. 27. Qualifiers will continue to Upper State matches.