![Phoenix gets in position to initiate the beginning of an intense game. “It's coming to the end of the season here, so [our goal] is to just focus on working harder,” senior lineman Ryan Abbondanza said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/DSC_0042-1200x800.jpg)
On Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, the varsity wrestling team hosted several schools from around the state at the annual King of the Rock tournament. Throughout the event, the Phoenix competed against 26 Virginia high schools–ranging all the way from Prince Williams to rivals inside Loudoun County–and ultimately placed 6th.
In the gym, teams were constantly moving from the mat, to the hallway, to the auxiliary gym. Some players felt high pressure amidst the competitive atmosphere. “I felt [the] pressure to perform well in front of everyone who came from Rock Ridge to watch,” junior Xavier Goldberg said. “Mentality is a huge part of how you perform on the mat. [For] some matches, the pressure got to me, but I was able to recollect and finish off strong, winning.”
Starting weeks before the tournament, the Phoenix had already set their eyes on improving last year’s performance–and they did, improving from one medalist to seven in one year. “[We’re] trying harder,” senior Nate Martinez said. “[We’re] not slacking anymore. Kids are actually wanting to wrestle, wanting to get better, so it’s a certain show on the mat.”
The seven King of the Rock medalists included three silver medalists: Betsy Polanco (106), Nate Martinez (132), and Suhaib Awad (215); two 5th place medalists: Cameron Hedgespeth (106) and Xavier Goldberg (138); and two 6th place medalists: Origil Odkhuu (150) and Julian Serna (157).
Not only did the individuals improve, but the team’s placement increased as a whole, placing 6th at this year’s tournament with a total of 137.5 points. Above them were 1. Landstown (295), 2. Culpeper County (202.5), 3. Freedom (151), 4. Westfield (149), and 5. Thomas Edison (148).
Yet, the inclusion of competitive teams like these didn’t phase the wrestlers from staying focused. “For me, when it was time to step on the mat, the atmosphere didn’t alter my performance at all,” sophomore Cameron Hedgespeth said. “When wrestling, you have to focus on winning your matches one at a time–not who’s watching, what’s at stake, or anything else. Simply winning the match ahead is what is important.”
All wrestlers had their own individual paths to success this year, but for some it has gone past the mat. This was the case for junior Suhaib Awad, who didn’t place at all last year but improved to second place this year. “Wrestling [is a sport that requires] grit and dedication,” Awad said. “It’s the everyday practice… [showing in] school, work, family, and everything you do in life, to get results you need to put in the work.”
The team will compete again on Jan. 6, in which the Phoenix will host John Champe in the main gym in the middle of the schoolday. To attend, students must pay $1, and all proceeds will go towards charity.
