Polk County ended the first day of the 2A Western Regional wrestling tournament at Owen High School with four of its six participants still in line for a state tournament bid.
Led by freshman Chase Emory, Polk County has four wrestlers still alive in the double-elimination event, which concludes Sunday. Due to the recent round of inclement weather that has affected the entire state, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association ruled regional competition could be held on Sunday, normally not allowed under state rules.
Competing at 132 pounds, Emory remained undefeated in reaching the winner’s bracket semifinals. He needs just one more win on Sunday, be that in the winner’s bracket or the consolation final, to clinch a state championship berth.
Get PolkSports delivered to your inbox
Sign up for our free newsletter →
Dustin Calvert (138), Anthony Marino (145) and Damion Cantrell (170) each lost one match on Saturday, but remain alive in the consolation quarterfinals. Each will need to win two matches on Sunday to earn a state championship berth.
“We took six kids and we still have four left,” said head coach Phillip Miller. “All four have a legitimate shot at making it.”
Senior heavyweight Chase McMurray re-injured his shoulder after wrestling one match and was forced to withdraw. Freshman Marquise Lipscomb (220) was eliminated from the event on Saturday.
Regional qualifiers Franklin Sandoval and Jerry Cox were ill and unable to participate in the event.
