More News

For the third consecutive year on Wednesday, the Whitman wrestling team will vie to capture the Class 4A/3A West Region Dual Meet crown.

The Vikings (12-0) earned the top spot, but will be unable to host the four-team tournament due to a burst water pipe that flooded their gymnasium last week. Second-seeded Clarksburg (11-1), fresh off its best season in its four-year history, will host.

"We've had some great kids come through the program to establish our tradition," said head coach Derek Manon, whose squad has won every dual match by at least 18 points. "The guys see what hard work can produce and how it pays off. [Winning] has just kind of snowballed from older kids to the younger ones."

Whitman boasts the most balanced lineup, with Taylor Leighton (189 pounds), Danny Lee (215), Mike Harder (140) and Sawyer Symington (112) leading the way.

It faces No. 4 Magruder (11-2), which fell to the Vikings, 47-27, on Jan. 6.

The Colonels (11-2), who clinched the final spot by virtue of their head-to-head victory over Sherwood on Jan. 12, counter with Parke Overmiller (125) and undefeated Jordan Tolbert (130).

Meanwhile, the match of the night pits Clarksburg against No. 3 Quince Orchard (12-2). The Cougars handed Clarksburg its lone loss, 35-33, Dec. 9.

The Coyotes' strength lie in lowerweights Mac Raum (103), Roja Stephenson (130), Ben Asadi and Chris Williamson (135).

Consequently, the Cougars should be favored with big guns Eli Bienstock (112), Reed Neubaum (160), Austin Williams (171) and Arnold Olali (189).

On Thursday, Neubaum tied Aaron Dorsey's school record with 120 victories.

"It's going to come down to the swing matches when guys who aren't the big-name guys wrestle," Quince Orchard head coach Chris Tao said. "The kids that aren't expected to win have to stay off their back or get an upset. ... I've been lucky to not have lost to [Clarksburg head coach Josh Munsey] yet. We hate losing to each other as friends and teammates [at Wheaton High]."

The semifinals will start at 5:30 p.m. with the finals to follow at 7:30.

Notes: If Montgomery County Public Schools are closed Wednesday, the Duals will be wrestled on the day schools return to session. The state dual meet is still slated for Saturday at Linganore. ... Wrestlers will be allowed 2 extra pounds.