Shown here in a recent match, Southern Wayne sophomore Omar Soler-Sanchez, back, competed in the NC High School Athletic Association Class 3A state wrestling championships in Greensboro this weekend. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
GREENSBORO — Omar Soler-Sanchez attempted to etch his name further into the Southern Wayne wrestling history book Saturday afternoon.
Experience stopped his bid.
The sophomore, who missed the first half of the season, bowed out with a consolation-round loss during the 2024 NC High School Athletic Association Class 3A individual wrestling championships.
“Very proud of him and how he battled after not having a full season,” SW head coach Tori King said. “We are very optimistic about his future and progression. We’re going to take a break for a couple of weeks and get right back to start training for the offseason. He has a desire to be great and as a coach you can’t ask for more than that.”
The East Region’s fourth seed at 106 pounds, Soler-Sanchez looked to become the program’s 20th state placer since the mid-1980s. The last SW alum to reach the medal podium was Josh Robinson, who finished third at heavyweight in 2008.
West Region champion Zane Taylor, a freshman from Starmount, dropped Soler-Sanchez into the consolation round with a second-period fall. A penalty allowed Union Pines senior Nathan Maness to pull out a 6-5 decision in first-round consolation action.
“Omar locked hands on a mat return,” King said.
Soler-Sanchez concluded the year 10-5.
The outspoken and confident grappler enters his junior season as the reigning Quad County 3A champion at 106.
Southern Wayne loses just two starters to graduation.
“I brought eight other kids from the team [to states],” King said. “We have been watching and learning, and they can’t wait to see the finals. Hopefully that can create a spark and help grow the program.”
