Photo by Brian Hoffman
James River wrestling coach Bobby Stewart is stepping down, at least for a year, after a difficult season on the black and red mats. The Knights finished their season last weekend when they finished 31st in the Class 2 state tournament at the Salem Civic Center.
“I am stepping back from high school coaching and concentrating on my club,” said Stewart. “Not certain if it’s a permanent step back yet or not, working that out with the school now. I will not be coaching next year. I will, however, be in the background and make sure the program moves forward.”
Stewart had the fewest number of wrestlers come out for the team that’s he’s had in his tenure at James River, often wrestling dual matches with half a dozen or fewer. He’s hoping that will turn around in coming years.
“Next year if the middle school wrestlers show in the wrestling room then the numbers can rebound and be a positive turnout,” he said. “The epidemic of kids not wrestling in high school after middle school is bothersome and troubling.”
River had two boys score points in the state tournament. Senior Silas Whitson was 1-2 at 120 and freshman Ashton Orange was 1-2 at 190. Sophomore Cavan Hoelzle lost his first two at 126 and sophomore Ethan Serrano was scratched due to an injury at 113.
Poquoson High won the Class 2 state championship with 244 points. Strasburg was second with 165.5 and Glenvar, of the Three Rivers District, took third with 120.
Photo by Suzanne Witcher
