On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Braves varsity wrestlers pinned the Wekiva Mustangs on their first home meet in two years.
Celebrating senior night, coach Derrick Fontaine commemorated the girls and boys wrestling teams’ seniors.
After introductions, freshman Noel Soto (106) and sophomore Jayden Bradshaw (106) started the meet. They both pinned their opponents, 2-0.
The next two matches followed similarly. Sophomore Andrew Fletcher (122) and senior Noah Williams (132) pinned their opponents after scoring 12 points in their respective matches.
However, sophomore Andrew Nelson (138) faced a challenge against Brad Rhymer (138). After three rounds, Nelson timed out the clock, winning his match 5-4.
After that match, seniors Emmanuel Rivera (145), Jonathan Gomez (170) and David Lopez (195) continued the momentum. Rivera teched his opponent, to his surprise, winning 19-4, Gomez pinned his opponent 2-0 in 20 seconds and Lopez pinned his opponent in his third round with 17 points.
However, senior Clayton Julian’s (heavyweight) match took an unexpected turn. After two unexpected referee decisions, his opponent pushed him out the mat, causing Julian to hit his head on the floor.
The crowd fell silent as the Sports Medicine trainer Molly Carver went to his aid. The girls wrestling team, who were there for senior night and to support the varsity team, formed a prayer circle for Julian. After 10 minutes, Julian stood up and the crowd applauded for their fellow Brave.
Ultimately, the Braves won the meet 68-18.
The varsity boys team next meet is Friday, Jan. 15, at Space Coast High School.