By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sun Journal Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sun Journal Staff
VANCEBORO — Marquin Hill is on a mission this season.
The Washington Pam Pack heavyweight won the 3-A state championship last year, finishing with a 47-2 overall record. Hill wants to top last year’s performance.
“I want to go undefeated and repeat,” said Hill, who ran his career record to 125-28. “That’s the goal.”
Hill, who pinned West Craven’s Aaron Hooks during Tuesday night’s Coastal Conference wrestling match, is well on his way. The senior ran his record to 11-0, with nine of those wins coming by pin, with the fall.
Washington coach Dan Riggs said Hill has a great shot at achieving his goal.
“He wants to become a two-timer for Washington High School,” Riggs said. “He’s on a mission this year.”
Hill’s victory was one of the few bright spots for the Pam Pack (7-3, 0-2 Coastal), who fell 42-30 to the Eagles.
“I’m a little disappointed in the way we wrestled tonight,” Riggs said. “Some guys wrestled half-decently, but some of the guys didn’t come ready. It showed at the end of the match.”
Along with Hill, earning wins by pin for the Pack were Matthew Williamisits (140), Ned Batts (160) and Raphael Gibbs (189).
Earning wins by decision were Michael Gardner (135) and Jack Rodman (171).
Riggs said attitude will play a large role in how the Pam Pack finishes this season.
“Some days we show up and other days we don’t,” Riggs said. “If I could have the team that shows up every day, we could have a half-decent season. If we have days where we don’t show up and act like we don’t care, then it’s going to be a long season.”
Riggs is anticipating solid seasons for Hill, Michael Gardner, Jason Gardner and Devon Van Cura. The Washington coach said others can put together strong seasons if they put forth the work.
Hopefully, we can put this one behind us and decide to start wrestling soon,” Riggs said.
Hill became the fifth wrestler in Pam Pack history to notch 125 wins, matching Russ Chesson (125-7) for fifth place on the all-time win list.
Justin “Weasel” Moore (164-18) owns the all-time mark, followed by Gerald Lawrence (139-13) and Gabe Gardner (127-44).
The Pam Pack returns to action this weekend for the Beast of the East tournament at Croatan High School.
Kevin Travis can be reached at 252-635-5669 or atktravis@freedomenc.com.
West Craven 42, Washington 30
103 – Dajohn Gooding (WC) 8-1 dec. over Jason Garner; 112 – Jeremy Davis (WC) pin Casey Cutler; 119 – Chester Ward (WC) pin David Giordano 0:25; 125 – Chance Credeur (WC) pin Brandon Cutler 0:30; 130 – Jamie Wright (WC) pin Matt Stone 1:05; 135 – Michael Gardner (W) 8-1 dec. over Greg Hill; 140 – Matthew Williamitis (W) pin Jacob Crick; 145 – Michael Thornton (WC) pin Tom Sutton; 152 – Andre Ward (WC) 4-2 dec. over Devon Van Cura; 160 – Ned Batts (W) pin Aaron Roach; 171 – Jack Rodman (W) 6-3 dec. over Anthony Parson; 189 – Raphael Gibbs (W) pin Shon Holder; 215 – Dennis Ford (WC) pin Dylan Cutler; 285 – Marquin Hill (W) pin Aaron Hooks.