Robbinsville wrestlers, coach ride off into sunset with All-Star appearance
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – To be selected from a crop of talented wrestlers across all classifications is quite the honor. The fact that three Robbinsville seniors made the cut speaks volumes to the respect the program has crafted.
Kyle Fink, Jayden Nowell and Carlos Wesley donned singlets one last time Friday, as the trio enjoyed some time in the sand by competing in the Best Western Ocean Sands N.C./S.C. All-Star Classic, which was held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
“Being a part of the All-Star team – representing North Carolina – was certainly an honor and I was grateful to have been given the chance to wrestle one last time,” Nowell said. “The trip overall was definitely cool; it was certainly fun getting to meet new people who loved the sport just as much as I do.
“I have been blessed in my career in so many ways and I want to thank my coaches, friends and family for the support. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the drive and willpower to excel, and be my absolute best in this sport.”
Unfortunately, the Knights ran into tough opposition. Wrestling at 132 pounds, Nowell dropped the opener to Rocky Moretti of Ashley Ridge, 4-1. In the 195-pound bout, Fink was bested 8-2 by Chapin’s Patrick Brophy.
Wesley picked up a 7-4 nod in the heavyweight bout Karrington Charles-Lugoff (Elgin). Team South Carolina would edge North Carolina in the dual, 30-24.
“I was very excited and honored to be chose for the North Carolina All-Star Team,” Wesley said. “I had the opportunity to wrestle with some of the best wrestlers, who share my love for the sport. This was a great experience to close out my high school career.
“I would like to thank my family, friends and coaches for all their encouragement and support.”
“Being a member of the All-Star team was certainly a really cool honor,” Fink added. “Like the others on the team, it allowed us to get one more match in to finalize our high school careers. The experience of meeting new people – and having different coaches – was a highlight of the whole trip.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m glad I was able to do it.”
Departing Robbinsville head coach Todd Odom – who announced his retirement on Feb. 20 after 21 years of coaching – was selected to be on the North Carolina staff.