Hoggard Appears In State Duals for the First Time in Years

     After years of hard work, setbacks, and close calls, the wait to make it was over. For the first time in years, the Hoggard wrestling team earned their spot in the State Duals. Determination, discipline, effort and a lot of sweat went into the boys making it this far. As for the coaches, they had a lot of late nights getting the boys ready, taking time out of their busy schedule to teach them what they needed to know. But now it's all up to those on the mat…

      Going into the State Duals, many of the wrestlers shared that they were excited, but also nervous. Despite the pressure, the team came out strong, putting up a tough fight and surprising several opponents with their intensity and effort.

      Jude Moulton, wrestling at 175-pounds, came out hungry and wasted no time, earning a dominant victory by scoring 15 points in the second period. Finley Gallagher delivered one of the highlights of the day with an impressive upset, battling back in the final period to secure a pin. Alex Walters, competing at 138-pounds, also put together a strong performance, using a variety of moves and techniques. He earned his win in the third period after several close pin attempts.

      Mason Schoen, the team’s 106-pound wrestler, faced an early challenge after arriving overweight and having to cut weight before the team departed for Millbrook High School. Despite the rough start, Mason set the tone for the day by taking the mat first and earning an impressive pin.

      From the sidelines, Conner Earl, James Person, and several others, played a key role in keeping team morale high. Although the team ultimately fell 45–30, spirits remained positive as everyone boarded the bus motivated and ready to return to the wrestling room to prepare for regionals the following Saturday.

      This group of wrestlers will never forget the experience and the lessons learned along the way. Those returning next season are already focused on working even harder, with the goal of making it back to the State Duals and surpassing this year’s achievements.