Finishing strong

Wrestling team finishes with 16-6 record, will move on to compete individually

Sophomore+Cody+Patterson+holds+his+ground+with+his+opponent+from+Hopewell+on+Feb.+8.

Paige Young/FHS Press

Sophomore Cody Patterson holds his ground with his opponent from Hopewell on Feb. 8.

As the wrestling team wraps up their regular season, they will move into individual matches competing for states. Finishing their regular season with a team record of 16 wins and only six losses, the Bulldogs look like they are in good shape for what is coming their way. 

“My favorite part about wrestling is experiencing wins together as a team and family. Being able to help each other out when needed,” freshman Jason Shiring said. 

The wrestlers wrapped up their season with their last two home matches against Hopewell and Avonworth on Feb. 8. The team hosted and won both matches. Hopewell with 36 points and Freedom with 42. The Bulldogs also won over Avonworth by a score of 48-30. 

During the match against Hopewell the team had three pins. These came from senior Landon Millward, junior Trenton McCray and freshman Gavyn McCray. 

“I felt like the team has done a really good job this year at exceeding all of the expectations that were faced against us,” Trenton McCray said.

With two back to back matches, the team still held their ground and took the win against Avonworth. The Bulldogs had five pins during the match. These were from Landon Millward, Trenton McCray, sophomores Ryan Kredel and Cody Patterson and Gavyn McCray. 

Throughout the matches, all the wrestlers put up a good fight against their opponents and did not back down. Throughout the season the Bulldogs faced challenges just like any other sport. Whether it was a challenge as a team or individually, they were able to overcome it.

“My biggest challenge faced was having to put in the time in order to succeed and get to where I want to be,” Shiring said. 

The team competed at Cannon Mac to see who will go to regionals. The Bulldogs were able to send four of their wrestlers that way. Gavyn McCray, junior Tanner Millward, junior Matthew Schultheis and Landon Millward all moved onto the regional tournament. 

The PIAA AA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) Championships will be held at Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. this year. The competition will begin on March 10 and follow through to March 12.