Parkland—best wrestling team in the state
I attended my first dual team wrestling match since 1995 on Sunday, and it was a good one — Cary at Parkland, two powerhouse programs, for the Class 4-A state title.
Coach Maurice Atwood of Parkland has always been a straight shooter with me, and when he gives me a prediction, I take it to the bank. I have no reason to change that philosophy, because Parkland did what Atwood said it should do — it beat Cary 38-14 for the state championship.
This was no small feat, given that Cary has been a great program for much longer than Parkland. The gym was packed, save for some empty bleacher space in the corners, and all but one match went the distance, with two going into overtime.
So its four championships in a row for Parkland — the first three came in Class 3-A — and the Mustangs will take a state record 175 match winning streak into next season.
One match I would have loved to have seen didn’t take place, but that was no surprise to those who closely follow wrestling. Matt Colvert of Cary won the Class 4-A state title at 160 pounds last season, and Marciano Ali was the 160-pound champ in Class 3-A.
I was told by several people that Colvert was moved to 152 pounds this season so he wouldn’t have to come up against Ali in the state tournament. This information was not relayed to me from anyone with Cary, so I take it with a little grain of salt.
Not being an aficionado of wrestling, I am sure there are some who would disagree, but watching the match it sure appeared as if Colvert and Ali were the two best wrestlers in the gym. Colvert had his way with Brandon Wilkins of Parkland for a 16-0 technical fall, while Ali scored a major decision over David Alecio 16-5.
I don’t know Colvert, and I have only spoken briefly in the past with Ali, but having been around enough great wrestlers, fear is not part of their repertoire. That’s why I find it puzzling that Colvert would agree to a drop in weight class only to avoid another wrestler.
But again, I don’t have all the information, and it has happened before.
Oh well. Colvert-Ali would have only added to what was an intense afternoon of wrestling.