Local

Area wrestlers in state finals

TERRANCE THOMAS, LTN Staff Writer

Feb. 22, 2002 - The Parade of Champions.

At the state individual wrestling championships in Charlotte’s Cricket Arena, the top four wrestlers in each weight and each get to walk around under a spotlight in the while the music plays, “We are the Champions.”

West Lincoln’s Cory Norman has seen the Parade a few times growing up.

“Watching it brings tears to your eyes. I’ve always wanted to be one of them in the Parade.

Norman and four other Lincoln County (fellow Rebels teammates Aaron Terry and Joshua Hullette, East Lincoln’s Nick Smith and Lincolnton’s Chris Williams) will have an opportunity to wrestle to for that honor today and Saturday. Who knows they might bring back a state championship.

 Nick Smith has to be the best bet. After all, he won the western 3A regionals last weekend. He lost to the favorite in his 171-pound weight class last year by one point. He says he’s older, wiser, stronger and more confident.

“I believe my chances are really good because I know I have worked harder than every body else,” he said. “I’m hoping to place.”

East coach Jim Prevost said Smith’s tough to beat.

 “Nick’s a good wrestler,” Prevost said. “He’s good on his feet. He has an unorthodox style. It throws a lot of people off. It’s hard for them to (figure him out). He doesn’t mind putting himself in dangerous situations to get points. He’s so much improved.

For Norman and Terry, there’s extra incentive besides winning or placing high.

Both have 40 wins going into the double-elimination championships and with three wins they break a West Lincoln school record for wins in a season, which was set by Jonathan Cline who has 42.

Norman would love to do it. He just broke the school record in career wins in the regionals. He now has 120.

“My bracket looks pretty god down there,” said Norman who placed third in the 135 class in the regionals. “Hopefully I’ll place. This is my last year.”

Terry came in the second in the heavyweights in the regional.

“My chances are pretty good,” said Terry a junior. “My goal is to win it all. I have an excellent chance of placing high. It feels good to get a chance to wrestle with the best in the state. I can do it. But I have to do my best.”

Hullette is glad make to the state championships in his junior year.

“I’m very excited,” the 125-division wrestler said. “I’ve never been down there (to the wrestling state championships). I’ve got to stay focused. I would like to get into the top four. If I’m going to have a good day. I’ve got to be ready to wrestle.”

Lincolnton’s Chris Williams was bumped up to wrestle 160 in regionals. He’s had a hard time gaining weight. He was at 152 pounds before Thursday’s practice.

“I think I have a pretty good chance at it,” he said. “I’m good on my feet. I just want to stay off my back. I don’t want to get pinned. I think I have a pretty good chance at it. I’m good on my feet.”

Classes 1A/2A, 3A and 4A will all wrestle at the same time down at the Cricket Arena.

The first round started at 9 a.m. Tonight the quarterfinals will begin at 6.

On Saturday, things will continue again at 9 a.m. The consolation and finals start at 6 p.m.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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