The ConVal wrestling team has been strong in recent weeks despite losing several opportunities due to canceled tournaments.
Last weekend, the Cougars had three champions at the Hollis-Brookline invitational, which drew top teams from both New Hampshire and over the border in Massachusetts.
“As a whole, we competed with grit and determination,” said head coach Abe Ewing.
At 132 lbs., Cameron Jordan won handily, pinning Tommy Grover of Wakefield.
At 138 lbs., junior Everett Benham made a gutsy come-from-behind win over Jariel Hernandez of Salem in the finals. Benham, who is now coming into his own after missing his freshman season with a broken arm and then suffering through the COVID-canceled season last winter, had an escape, a takedown and a nearfall in the final moments to win 11-10.
At 182 lbs., Chris Robbins got a come-from-behind win of his own. Robbins was trailing Bishop Guertin’s James Murphy 7-2 when he pulled off a pin for the win.
COVID concerns and exposures have led to multiple cancelations in the wrestling world; the Cougars have had planned tournaments at Keene and Nashua canceled already by host schools, along with the traditional annual trip to Vergennes, Vermont for their now-canceled tournament next weekend. ConVal is expected to compete next at Mascoma Valley on Wednesday.