NCHSAAWrestling

The Robbinsville Black Knights won nine of the 14 weight classes contested in June 10’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. All names are listed from left. Kneeling in front are Jaret Panama (152 pounds), Luke Wilson (113), Aynsley Fink (106) and Jayden Nowell (126). Standing in back are Kage Williams, Wade Hamilton, Ben Wachacha, Kyle Fink and Carlos Wesley. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

The Robbinsville Black Knights won nine of the 14 weight classes contested in June 10’s Smoky Mountain Conference tournament. All names are listed from left. Kneeling in front are Jaret Panama (152 pounds), Luke Wilson (113), Aynsley Fink (106) and Jayden Nowell (126). Standing in back are Kage Williams, Wade Hamilton, Ben Wachacha, Kyle Fink and Carlos Wesley. Photo by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

14 divisions, 9 champions

Robbinsville – Another year, another thumping. For the fifth consecutive season, the Robbinsville Black Knights have laid claim to the Smoky Mountain Conference championship, after running up a team score of 230.5 points at June 10’s tournament.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.