Upon entering the gym, the air is thick with tension, and the bustling energy threatens to explode as the two students battle it out on the mat. January 13 is wrestling senior night, and the varsity wrestling team is duelling against the rival Woodgrove varsity team.
The team boasted several wins, including pins by freshman Bobby Wilson and junior Rocco Zagorites, wins by senior Bryce Schnelzer (9-1), senior Lincoln Kelley (18-2), and senior Nizar Awad (3-1).
They also recognized each of the senior wrestlers: Nizar Awad, Andrew Dalkin, Griffin David, Eli Eastlake, Lincoln Kelley, Payton Politz, Will Ray, Bryce Schnelzer, and Randall Thompson.
Three of the wrestling seniors will be wrestling in college. Bryce Schnelzer (Clarion University in Pennsylvania), Justin Lowery (United States Air Force Academy), and Lincoln Kelley (Virginia Military Institute).
Kelley became the first Captain to ever place at the Beast of the East tournament by placing eighth in December 2025.
“I’m not focused too much on winning rather than just scoring points,” Kelley said. “I imagine I’m in practice so I don’t put too much stress on myself.” He also placed eighth at the Escape the Rock tournament on January 17.
In February, the team will be traveling to Virginia Beach to compete at the VHSL State Wrestling Championship.
