Zalen McCraw and Styler Blackwell were named to the All-Western North Carolina Wrestling Team, selected by the Asheville Citizen-Times.
McCraw earned first-team honors at 165 pounds after becoming the fourth state champion in Polk County history. He pinned his opponent in the 3A state title match to cap a dominant 54-1 season that included 36 pins. McCraw set the school record with 176 career wins.
Blackwell was selected to the first team at 190 pounds after winning a 3A regional championship and reaching the state title match, where he fell by decision. The junior finished 48-8 with 31 pins and reached 100 career wins in January.
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Amon Villarreal was named to the second team at 132 pounds after earning third place at the 3A West regionals and advancing to the state championships, where he also placed third.
Pisgah’s Landon Pope was named Wrestler of the Year after posting a perfect 48-0 record with 28 pins and winning a 4A state championship. Robbinsville’s Travis Hooper earned Coach of the Year honors after leading the Black Knights to two state championships – the 1A dual team title and the 1A/2A individual tournament championship.
