SMCWrestling

Jayden Nowell maintains top control over West Henderson’s Cody Eplee during Saturday’s home dual with the Falcons. Nowell would go on to cinch career win No. 101 in the bout. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Hard-earned reward

Kevin Hensley

Friday, June 11, 2021

Robbinsville – Henry Portela is a name that Robbinsville’s Jayden Nowell will never forget.

Robbinsville’s Jayden Nowell cinches in a hammerlock on Enka’s Damien Maxwell during a 132-pound bout May 15. The Knights will host the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament next week. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Black Knights shutout Braves

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Cherokee – The only opposition that stood in the way of Robbinsville last week was swiftly toppled. The Black Knights (13-3) traveled to Cherokee for a conference dual May 26 and between a litany of forfeits and four pinfall victories, thwarted the Braves’ hopes in an 84-0 win.

Robbinsville’s Alexis Panama maintains top control over Swain County’s Owen Craig during May 13’s match with the Maroon Devils. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Exorcising the demons

Kevin Hensley

Friday, May 21, 2021

Robbinsville – The two toughest programs in the Smoky Mountain Conference met head-to-head May 13. And at the end of the match, it was clear who was the top dog. Robbinsville (10-3) more than took care of business against the Swain County Maroon Devils, handing the visitors a 63-10 loss.

Simon Cody remained in the zone after scoring his first career pin May 4 in Andrews. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Mat attack

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Rosman – Robbinsville wrestling is widely known for its motto: “Representing The ‘Ville.” And no matter what segment of North Carolina the Black Knights travel to, they live up to the credo.

Luke Wilson maintains top control on Uwharrie Charter’s Heaven Fitch during the 106-pound state finals Saturday night in Greensboro. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Great to win state

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Greensboro – The road to a state wrestling title is a long journey, filled with countless hours behind the wheel. Plying your craft throughout the week – then applying what you’ve learned at a weekend tournament – becomes routine for those that crave the gold.

These five Robbinsville High School grapplers qualified for the 1A state tournament at the Western Regional tournament, which was held at Mount Airy this year. From left are Luke Wilson, Kyle Fink, Nathan Fisher, Justin Stewart and Jayden Nowell. Photo by Todd Odom/Contributing Photographer

Fearsome fivesome heading to state

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Mount Airy – After a grueling, two-day tournament, five Robbinsville Black Knight wrestlers emerged as state qualifiers. Two emerged as 1A Western Regional champions.

Fink finishes 2nd at state

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Concord – In just the second year of the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s Women’s Invitational, Robbinsville made a statement.

Robbinsville’s Kyle Fink controls Mount Airy’s Eric Olvera during the second round of the 1A state duals on Feb. 4. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights fall in Western final

Kevin Hensley

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Newland – Robbinsville High School’s dual-team wrestling season came to an abrupt end on Feb. 6, when the Black Knights fell in the 1A Western Regional Finals at Avery County High School.

Robbinsville's Jaret Panama has Mount Airy's Luke Leonard down for the count in the 170-pound bout of Tuesday's second-round state dual. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights fall in Western final

Kevin Hensley

Friday, February 7, 2020

Newland – Robbinsville's journey to the 1A state dual finals was halted Thursday night. The Black Knights (18-8) traveled to Avery County for the third and fourth-round of the postseason tournament, with high hopes of another state finals appearance.

Members of the Robbinsville High School wrestling program come together to celebrate Saturday’s Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament championship. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Knights of the round table

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Cherokee – There’s no doubt about it: Robbinsville’s wrestling dynasty lives on. The Black Knights clinched the 2019-20 Smoky Mountain Conference title Jan.