Both the bulldogs wrestling team and individual wrestlers have showed exponential progress as the winter months progress. With a 6-1 start to their season, and 1-0 in their league, the team kept their heads held high in hopes of making it to the section championship yet again.
During the holiday break, the team traveled to Southmoreland High School in Alverton. The tournament lasted two days, Dec. 27 and Dec. 28. Although the team came in seventh place, remarkable accomplishments occurred during the tournament. In fifth place, Brayden Reynolds (10) won by decision against Calyx Kimbrough (Fox Chapel) with a final score of 12-7. Also taking fifth place in his weight bracket, Gavyn McCray (12) pinned his opponent after three minutes and 58 seconds. Camden Bruce (12) and Kaden Millward (10) placed seventh place during the tournament.
“Placing seventh at the Southmoreland Holiday Classic has definitely been my best accomplishment,” Bruce said.
On Jan. 4, the team traveled to Laurel High School for the Ed Driscoll MAC Tournament. The team came in fifth place, gaining 138.5 points throughout the tournament. During the tournament, the wrestlers had many phenomenal achievements. Two Freedom wrestlers took home a championship win in the finals. McCray pinned his opponent after 1:56, taking home first place and ZeShawn Williams (11) won by decision.
“My biggest accomplishment as of right now is that I have 25 wins for the entire season, which is the same amount I had at the very end of last season and we still have a good amount of matches and tournaments left to go,” McCray said.
On Jan. 8, the Bulldogs traveled to Ambridge Area to face the Bridgers. The team was victorious, with a final score of 64-6. The team won with four pins, two tech falls and five forfeits from the other team.
“Making an honorable mention for WPIALS was definitely my biggest accomplishment so far,” said Troy Gorajewski (10).
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the team traveled to Laurel to conquer the Spartans, which is exactly what they did. The match concluded with a final score 41-34, leaving the Bulldogs victorious.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the bulldogs hosted the Beaver Bobcats and the Beaver County Christian School Eagles. The team first faced the Bobcats, winning with a final score of 71-6. They then went on to face the Eagles and won, with the match ending score of 52-18.
On Jan. 22, the team headed to Central Valley to face the Warriors. For the past two years, the team has faced the Warriors for the title of section champions, and they have defeated the Warriors both times.
On Jan. 25, the Sharon Duals will take place at Sharon High School. The Bulldogs faced off against a multitude of schools, where they took home a final score of 3-2. During the tournament, Senior McCray took home his 100th win of his high school wrestling career, making him the 18th member of Freedom to accomplish this achievement.