Murphy – Robbinsville made quick work of the field at Saturday's Smoky Mountain Conference Duals Tournament, sweeping the field clean to capture the league championship at Murphy High School.
The most credible threat to the Black Knights came against Hayesville, but the Yellow Jackets were swatted 58-24. Elsewhere, Robbinsville (17-9) rolled over Andrews, 75-6; Cherokee, 69-12; the hosting Bulldogs, 57-18; Rosman, 63-12; and Swain County, 66-17.
The tournament will also go down in the annals of Robbinsville wrestling history as the site of Adair Panama's historic 200th career victory, which continues to re-write both the program and conference's record with each successful venture onto the mat.
A senior, Panama won the 1A, 113-pound state championship last season and is a heavy favorite to repeat the feat next month.
Lady Knights
Robbinsville's varsity girls hosted the female duals tournament, which was held Jan. 8.
The Lady Knights went 3-2 on the evening, scoring a 54-12 win over Hayesville; a 48-12 triumph against Murphy; and handing Rosman a 47-6 loss.
Robbinsville (12-4) fell in a 36-33 heartbreaker to Cherokee and the 54-15 finale against Swain County.
Both teams traveled to North Henderson after The Graham Star’s Wednesday's press deadline, for the recurring "Fight for the Knight."
The annual James Orr Invitational will be held at home Saturday, before the Knights head to Swain County on Tuesday.