SMCWrestling

Lleyton Hooper applies a half-nelson during Tuesday’s dual against Cherokee. Photo courtesy of Jacquline Gayosso/Contributing Photographer

Dual frenzy

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Robbinsville – Six duals in a span of four days would be a grind for most programs. For Robbinsville, it’s business as usual. The Black Knights welcomed schools from across – and outside – the state for Saturday’s inaugural H.O.O.T.

100 successes

Kevin Hensley

Friday, December 8, 2023

Charlotte – Even in the bright lights of the big city, Alexis Panama found a way to stick out. With a 7-4, semifinal decision nod over South Rowan’s Mateo Diaz, Panama achieved career victory No. 100 for Robbinsville.

Jetting toward success

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Candler – While others were spending time with loved ones or traveling for the holiday, Robbinsville’s wrestling program was busy plying its craft. The dedication paid dividends, as you could look anywhere on the results for Nov.

The 2023-24 Robbinsville Lady Knights varsity wrestling team. Names are listed from left. Front row: Nora Thomas, Koda Stinson, Anna Norris, Andrea Sheeks, Jayce Shuler, Velvet Carver, Hailey McLucas and Haley Burchfield. Back row: head coach Josh Winfrey, Alex Parton, Pacey Bradshaw, Kenzie Belk, Kaley Lofty, Kyla Jenkins, Campbell Brooks, Alexis El-Khouri and Jennifer Guzman. Not pictured is assistant coach Sarah Orr. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Trendsetters

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, November 30, 2023

* Lady Knights wrestling season preview Robbinsville – Every dynasty has to begin somewhere. The 2023-24 wrestling season has ushered in another story in the widely-respected annals of Robbinsville wrestling history. Thanks to the N.C.

Knights win Dekota Smith Invitational

Kevin Hensley

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Hudson – If the opening week for Robbinsville’s varsity wrestling program is any indication of what’s to come, opponents can instead anticipate looking at the lights when the ref slaps the mat.

Rising Black Knights senior Kage Williams proudly displays the North Carolina state flag while standing atop the podium at the USA Wrestling Southeast Regionals in Cherokee on May 28. Williams went 5-0 in his 195-pound bracket to win Robbinsville’s inaugural Southeastern title. Photo courtesy of Peak Wrestling

Knights stayin’ polished

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Cherokee – Practice makes perfect. Repetition is key. You have to go the extra mile. Whatever tagline you want to associate with student-athletes who spend the offseason from their respective sports by competing anytime, anywhere they can, it is a mentality that has stood the test of time.

Lady Knights senior Desta Trammell was named as the 2023 Wells Fargo Advisors/Aiken, Meyer, Whatley Division II Female Athlete of the Year, Major Sport at Sunday’s WNC Sports Awards Banquet. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Shuler, Trammell honored as best in WNC

Kevin Hensley

Monday, May 15, 2023

Asheville – Sunday’s 61st WNC Sports Awards Banquet simply confirmed to the rest of Western North Carolina what the Knights’ fanbase already knew: Zoie Shuler and Desta Trammell are two of the most elite athletes to ever wear a Robbinsville uniform.

Black Knights grappler Willie Riddle became the third Robbinsville wrestler to sign a letter-of-intent in a span of 28 hours April 10, opting to join the Montreat College Cavaliers. Photo by Anna Riddle/The Graham Star

Riddle solved

Kevin Hensley

Friday, April 21, 2023

Joining Willie Riddle (seated, right) when he signed to wrestle at Montreat College on April 10 were close family, including (clockwise, from Willie): father, Ben Riddle; sister, Anna Riddle; and grandmother Hettie Riddle.

It’s going to be a challenge, but Robbinsville alumni Aynsley Fink and Jayden Nowell are returning to the mat – this time, at the collegiate level. Both signed to wrestle for Ottawa (Kan.) University on Easter Sunday. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Putting all of their eggs into one basket

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Robbinsville – While others were busy scouring the depths of their acreage for magical gifts on Easter Sunday, both Aynsley Fink and Jayden Nowell were busy making sure their wrestling aptitude would carry over to the college level.

Koleson Dooley won his first 1A state championship Saturday, last besting Pamlico County’s Tyler Stevens 5-2 in the 220-pound finals. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Triangle of terror

Kevin Hensley

Friday, February 24, 2023

Black Knights senior Willie Riddle hung tough with defending 145-pound state champion Lorenzo Alston (Uwharrie Charter Academy) in the finals Saturday, before incurring a majority-decision loss.