The men’s wrestling team had a pair of individual champions at the Cougar Open, hosted by Averett University at the Grant Center in Danville, VA. Elijah Martin, senior, grabbed the 157-pound title, while Rayshawn Dixon, sophomore, did the same at 285 pounds. In all, the Panthers had three finalists and seven place winners.

“Great effort from our guys today with seven placers,” said Head Coach Logan Meister. “Our performance was highlighted with three finalists and two champions. Rubyn, Elijah and Ray all had great performances today. Proud of our efforts, but always humble as we found many adjustments we need to make for our goals to be achievable.”

For Dixon, it was his second title in as many tournaments. He closed the day with a 4-0 mark, a pin, and a major decision. In the finals, he beat Apprentice’s Peter Cortopasso 2-1, needing an overtime tiebreaker to pull it out. Dixon is now 8-0 on the season with three pins and two major decisions.

Martin went 5-0 with a pair of pins in winning the 157-pound title. He came out aggressive, pinning two opponents to open the tournament. In the championship match, Martin eked out a 3-1 win over Roanoke’s Zane Cox.

Making it to the finals in the 133 pound weight class was Rubyn Semedo, freshman, who closed the day with a 3-1 mark, including two pins, and placed second. Ethan Fragoso, sophomore, was victorious as well, going 4-1 with three pins and placing third at 197 pounds.

Also placing for the Panthers were Johnny Black , freshman, (197, 5th) with a 5-1 record and three pins, Trent Proctor, sophomore, (125, 7th) with a 4-2 mark, and Trent Ray, sophomore, (285, 8th) with a 2-3 mark and two pins.

Panther Results
125: Trent Proctor 4-2, 7th place; Adrian Samano 1-2
133: Rubyn Semedo  3-1, 2 pins, tech fall, 2nd place
141: Jonathan Ward  1-2; Andres Ramirez 0-2
149: Hayden Funck 2-2, pin
157: Elijah Martin 5-0, 2 pins, 1st place; Christian Hite 2-2 major; Perry Roller 2-3
165: Mateo Villabos 2-2, pin; Dustin Martinez-Skarin 1-2, major; Joey Olalde 1-2; Bradley Sigmon 0-2; Alexis Fidalgo 0-2
174: no entry
184: Colt Oliver 0-2
197: Ethan Fragoso 4-1, 3 pins, 3rd place; Johnny Black 5-1, 3 pins, major, 5th place; Russell Endicott 0-2
285: Rayshawn Dixon 4-0, 2 pins, major, 1st place;  Trent Ray 2-3, 2 pins, 8th place; George Mitchell 1-2, major