Robbinsville – When your varsity program secures 11 state champions over the last two seasons, the excitement generated is bound to trickle down the food chain.
The remainder of the decade is seemingly in good hands for Robbinsville wrestling. A women’s-only club team debuted this year, comprised of middle school athletes hungry to build their own dynasty.
Meanwhile, Robbinsville Middle School has had another rock-solid season of its own – even if its no longer just a boys club, as some of the aforementioned girls have proven their worth on the mat and earned starting spots in boys’ bouts.
On Dec. 15, the school hosted the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. The outcome was never really in doubt – only Swain County came close to bringing the sheer number of wrestlers Robbinsville had at its disposal – but the right mixture was still in place, which melded both Lady and Black Knights together in a 271-point effort, besting second-place Swain (223) to pick up the tournament championship.
“This was one of the more satisfying seasons we have had since I started coaching middle school,” Robbinsville head coach Billy Knight said. “If you would have told (coaches) Colby (White), Josiah (Phillips) and myself that we were gonna win the conference this year, none of us would have believed it.
“(Give) credit to the kids for getting better every single day and improving so much. Also, starting a girls program this year – led by Sarah Orr and Josh Winfrey – was something we are proud of.”
Individual bracket title winners for Robbinsville were Devin Burchfield (76 pounds), Braydon Lane (132), Kayleb Orr (138), Knox Orr (145), Jace Grooms (152), Luke Green (160), Joseph McCoy (170) and Gracie Anderson (182).
Second-place finishers for the Knights were Hunter Sawyer (83) and Latesha Orr (98). Clinching bronze medals were Milexa Jenkins (90), Aiden Conley (106), Ethan Chekeleelee (113), Jayden Chekeleelee (120) and Louis Parker (220). Ben Koeller (126) took fourth in his weight class.
“Each one of the girls put up an outstanding fight and I am very pleased with their performance,” coach Orr added. “These girls – including those who didn’t compete at conference – have come so far since the start of the season, and have gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations.”
Lane was named the competition’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Other team scores from the tournament were Murphy (third place, 150 points); Hayesville (fourth place, 128); Cherokee (fifth place, 110); and Andrews (sixth place, 24).
5th at Stampede
Sylva – Middle-school competitors wasted little time hitting the mat again, taking on a 25-team field Saturday during the Mustang Stampede at Smoky Mountain High School.
Designated as “Peak Wrestling” for the tournament, Robbinsville finished with 150 team points compiled – good for fifth place.
David Anderson and Kayleb Orr were eventually pitted against each other in the 132/138 finals, with Anderson scoring a quick pin to win the bracket. Joseph McCoy (160) finished second, while Knox Orr placed fourth in the 145/152 field. Latesha Orr (98) and Ethan Chekeleelee (106) also suited up for Peak Wrestling.
In the girls-only bracket, Latesha Orr toppled the 98-pound competition and Myah Winfrey captured gold in the 126/132 division. Milexa Jenkins (76/85), Jayden Chekeleelee (120) and Alyssa Bohn (145/155) placed second in their races, while Briley Powers (98), Andrea Sheeks (106/113) and Cambell Brooks (145/155) each finished third. Cheyanne Geyer (126/132) took fifth.
“I am so proud of each of them and am truly blessed to be a part of this program,” coach Orr said. “Watching the program grow and receive the support that it has is absolutely amazing. Coach Winfrey and myself cannot wait to see what the future holds for the program and these girls, as it grows across the state.”