The road to the state wrestling championships is built on long practices, tough losses and relentless work. This weekend, that journey ended with history, repeat champions and dramatic finishes across multiple weight classes.
In Class 6, Grassfield cemented its place among Virginia’s elite programs. The Grizzlies captured their second consecutive state championship — and second in program history — with a commanding performance from start to finish.
Grassfield placed 12 wrestlers and set a Class 6 Region A record for total team points. Six Grizzlies advanced to the finals, and three walked away with individual titles. Heavyweight Chris Funches led the charge, earning his second straight state championship and becoming the first two-time state champion under head coach Patrick Shuller. His repeat title capped a dominant showing for a senior class that delivered a storybook ending.
In Class 5, Cox continued its dominance, securing a third straight state championship at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.
The Falcons leaned on five individual champions and a strong overall team effort to overtake Great Bridge. The Wildcats carried a lead into the second day after placing six wrestlers in the semifinals. Cox matched that number and relied on depth in both the championship and consolation brackets to close the gap.
Five Cox wrestlers reached the finals, and the Falcons claimed five titles in a span of nine matches. Landon Cahill opened the surge at 138 pounds with a first-period fall. At 144, Caleb Rafal earned a technical fall after building a commanding lead. Vicente Granada followed with a hard-fought 11-6 decision at 150 pounds.
Karl Ludwig added another title at 165 pounds with a technical fall, and Rudy Wagner secured his third career state championship at 190 pounds with a quick pin. Wagner’s victory added another chapter to a family tradition of state titles at Cox.
Region A wrestlers made their mark throughout the tournament, capturing 11 individual championships.
Great Bridge struck first in the finals, as freshman Caiden Clark won the 106-pound title and Vincent Von Bernewitz followed with a pin at 113 pounds.
Ocean Lakes freshman Matthew DeAngelo claimed gold at 120 pounds with a major decision. Tallwood’s Colton Hepp delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the day, earning an overtime victory at 126 pounds after rallying from an early deficit.
The 157-pound championship featured the longest match of the finals. After regulation and two overtime periods solved nothing, Deep Run’s Brennan Loving broke through in the third overtime to defeat Woodside’s Carmine McDaniel.
Kellam’s Derek Shultz secured his program’s first title of the weekend with a narrow win, while Green Run’s Patrick McMillan closed out the 215-pound division with a convincing major decision.
From repeat team champions to overtime thrillers, the state championships once again showcased the resilience and determination that define Virginia high school wrestling.