Facing schools from across the Southeast, two Robbinsville wrestlers proved they were in a class of their own.
The Great Smoky Mountain Grapple is an annual, two-day attraction at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville. When the herd thinned out and champions were called to the awards podium Saturday, Robbinsville's Loxston Hooper (138 pounds) and Adair Panama (120) stood atop their peers – adorned with gold medals.
The duo were the only varsity Black Knights to place in the tournament. Other Robbinsville competitors were Ayden Conley (126), Zander Lucksavage (132), Devin Hall (144), Bobby Moore (150), Lleyton Hooper (157), Jeremiah Phillips (165), Luke Green (175), Brayden Lane (190) and Christian Koeller (215).
As a team, the Knights were 10th overall – scoring 110.5 points. Uwharrie Charter Academy reigned supreme, tallying 176.
In the JV bracket, Trakker Rogers (101-113 pounds) and Devin Burchfield (111-121) both finished third in their weight class. Bradyn Smith (269-285) claimed sixth.
Robbinsville's perfect mark in dual competition fell to the wayside at the uniquely-named "Ugly Sweaters" tournament in Travelers Rest, S.C., on Dec. 13.
The Black Knights competed against six South Carolina programs, but only salvaged one victory: a 54-30 win over Easley.
Otherwise, Robbinsville (6-7) lost to Berkeley, 54-29; Dorman, 49-27; Indian Land, 42-29; Nation Ford, 42-36; and Travelers Rest, 63-9.
The recurring battle between Pisgah and Robbinsville – dubbed "The Mill vs. The Ville" went in favor of the hosting Black Bears on Dec. 16, 66-11. The tri-match also included Owen High School – a dual the Knights dropped 44-20.
Lady Knights
On the flip side of the coin, Robbinsville's varsity girls have shined in recent duals action. At Dec. 12's Swain County Devil Duals, the Lady Knights went 4-1. Robbinsville (9-2) defeated Asheville High School, 39-24; Madison High and Erwin by the same tally, 54-18; and North Buncombe, 60-12. The Knights' only loss came to the hosting Lady Devils, 42-30.
The Lady Knights kept the good vibes rolling into a tri-match at Pisgah on Dec. 16, sweeping the Owen War Lassies 60-0 and the hosting Lady Bears 48-18.
Robbinsville also competed in Friday and Saturday's Great Smoky Mountain Grapple. Alexis El-Khouri (138) and Myah Winfrey (145) both placed fourth, while Natalee Myers (152) took sixth.
Other Lady Knights wrestling in Asheville were Briley Powers (107), Julia Vazquez (114), Milexa Jenkins (120), Jayden Chekelelee (126), Alexis Miller (132), Alyssa Bohn (165) and Shayla Dominguez (235).
Robbinsville posted 100 team points in the tournament, finishing fourth overall.
Swain County won the grapple, recording 138 points.