As the wrestling season comes to a close for the majority of the team, Aaron Harvey is advancing to states following his fourth place finish at regionals in the 126 pound weight class.
After several weeks of the season were impacted by weather, the Piedmont District Tournament was cancelled and Tunstall’s wrestling team advanced to the Region 3D tournament at Staunton River High School on Feb. 7. In addition to Harvey, Tunstall had three other wrestlers place at the regional competition: junior Preston Tucker placed fifth in the 175 weight class, junior Martin Pauley placed fifth in the 190 weight class, and junior Kade Moore took sixth in the 150 weight class.
Harvey has been wrestling for three years. To prepare for his matches he stretches and listens to music. When asked about the regional tournament he stated “It was really hard, harder than expected actually. I would rate it an 8/10.” This is his first time going to states but he’s only a little nervous. The tournament will take place on Feb. 20-21.
Before the weather disrupted the season, the wrestling team held a tri-match on Jan. 31 hosting Mecklenburg County and Magna Vista. Tunstall split, defeating Mecklenburg 41-30 and losing to Magna Vista 34-18. This match was also Tunstall’s senior night.
Senior night is an important high school sports event where all seniors are celebrated for the hard work and dedication they have for their sport. Despite the Tunstall wrestling team having two seniors, only one was able to attend. Senior Naomi Mack, a newcomer to the sport, was accompanied on the senior walk by her mom, dad, two sisters, and brother-in-law.
To prepare for her meets, she likes to eat snacks and listen to music to calm herself down, with the help of that she was able to advance to regionals. “I am super nervous for regionals because I made it further than I thought.” Naomi was also the only senior that was able to attend senior night and was super excited but couldn’t wrestle due to the other teams not having a girl in her weight class.
