It’s nearing the end of the season for high school wrestling, and the Hillsboro Varsity team continues to push themselves. Recently the squad has been in action all across the country, traveling to find the best competition available. The Hawks know that they are a high-quality team and want to be prepared to put their best foot forward when it comes time for districts.
Last week, on January 12th, the Hawks competed in a tri-dual event with Festus and DeSoto. In typical Hillsboro fashion, the team dominated both schools as they went about their business. In the first dual, the boys squared off against Festus and made quick work of their opposition, winning three of the four contested weight classes by pin, and the fourth by major decision. Aidan Black, Evan Morris and Griffin Ray were the successful grapplers earning the pin, while Nate Barnett picked up the 18-10 major decision. The Hawks won the dual 82-0.
Against DeSoto, the Hawks soared again, winning the dual 76-6. This time there were six contested weight classes, and Hillsboro won five. Black, Sam Richardson, Hunter Rhodes and Jordan Jarvis all won their matches by pin, and Barnett won again by major decision 12-2. The Hawks even won an exhibition match, as Barrett Silhavey picked up a pin as well.
Next up on the docket for Hillsboro were the Union County Braves from Kentucky on January 14th. The Braves are an extremely competitive team and they pushed Hillsboro hard. In fact, the Braves knocked off the Hawks in a close dual, 39-28. Hillsboro managed to win seven of the matches, but it wasn’t enough to get the job done, as only Richardson and Morris earned the full six points by pinning their foes. Gavin Alexander, Jackson Tucker, Blake Jackson, Dalton Litzsinger and Jarvis all won by decision. Even though the dual didn’t go their way, the experience the Hawks gained was quite valuable.
After their humbling experience, Hillsboro came out in their next dual, on January 19th against Hannibal, and reestablished their dominance. The Hawks won ten weight classes to defeat Hannibal 60-15. Jordan Penick, Tucker, Barnett, Richardson, Morris, Eddie Hines, Litzsinger, Aidan Petit and Jarvis all won by pin, while Alexander won by decision. Brendan Emmett also won his exhibition match by pin.
While the regular season may be winding down, the Hawks remember the one goal they have had in their minds since the beginning, to hoist the MO State Championship plaque. This team is fearless, and every school standing in their way should be forewarned that Hillsboro can not be stopped.
