Southern Wayne’s Zach Sauls pins Tucker Sullivan from American Leadership Academy in 33 seconds during their 138-pound match Wednesday at the Sass-Holmes Memorial Duals hosted by Rosewood High School. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
GOLDSBORO — Expected to field a competitive wrestling team this season, fourth-year Southern Wayne head coach Tori King walked away from the annual Sass-Holmes Memorial Duals with discontent Wednesday afternoon.
The Saints have work to do.
“We are battling ourselves as of late,” King said. “We have dedication and discipline issues, and that’s something we are going to get straight if we want to continue to get better as individuals and as a team.”
King put just eight wrestlers on the mat for the day-long event. The group logged a combined 11-12 record in contested matches and collected nine forfeits.
However, the absence of six grapplers gave away crucial point-scoring opportunities. King watched his team fall against American Leadership Academy (50-31), Wilmington New Hanover (39-30) and North Johnston (60-18).
SW edged North Raleigh Christian, 39-36.
“We ended up wrestling better as the day went on, but we have a bunch of work to do,” King said. “Early, we were lacking energy and acting as if teams were just going to lay down for us. We started to fight and eventually picked up a few wins.”
Zach Sauls (138 pounds), Jordan Valentine (157), Yusef Ceballos (215), heavyweight Bryce Sanders and 113-pounder Omar Soler-Sanchez each concluded the day 3-1. Newcomer Nathan Carlton (144) and returning starter Isaiah Smith (106) each logged a 2-2 worksheet.
Douglas Player ended up 1-3 at 175 pounds.
“We were missing six out of the lineup to sickness, discipline issues and other reasons,” said King, who had one starter leave the team via text message Tuesday evening. “It’s my job to have the team prepared and ready to wrestle hard every match, and I didn’t do that today.
“We will be better in the future.”
Southern Wayne (2-7 overall) opens its Quad County 3A Conference season next Wednesday with a tri-meet against defending league champ Charles B. Aycock and Wilson Hunt.
You may reach sports writer Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
