NCHSAAWrestling

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

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

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

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.
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

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

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

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.
The Robbinsville Black Knights take a moment to soak in their 1A Western Regional Championship victory, after prevailing over the rest of the field at Mitchell High School last weekend.

The Robbinsville Black Knights take a moment to soak in their 1A Western Regional Championship victory, after prevailing over the rest of the field at Mitchell High School last weekend.

Best in the West

Kevin Hensley
Friday, February 17, 2023
Nothing could erase the smile off Robbinsville head coach David Haney's face, after the Black Knights captured the 1A Western Championship on Saturday. It was the storied coach's first-ever regional title.