Two Still Alive

SALEM — Out of 13 wrestlers from Harrisonburg/Rockingham County who participated in the state tournament, two are still alive for a title.

 

Turner Ashby senior Luke Kiser (152 pounds) and Harrisonburg senior Ahmad Salehi (195) won both their matches to start off the Group AA tournament Friday at Salem Civic Center. They advanced to the semifinals, which begin at 9:30 a.m. today.

 

Kiser is the defending state champion at 145 pounds. Both he and Salehi won regional titles in their weight classes.

 

Other area wrestlers didn’t fare as well – although some are still alive for a top-eight finish.

 

TA senior Josh Powers (182 pounds) and Broadway junior Drew Diaz (113) each went 2-1 Friday, advancing to today’s quarterfinals in the consolation bracket. They can finish anywhere from fifth to eighth.

 

In the Group A tournament – held at the same site – East Rockingham’s David Kisling (285 pounds) also went 2-1 to advance to the consolation quarters.

 

Wrestlers who were eliminated with two losses in the Group AA tournament Friday included: TA’s Dalton Farley (106 pounds), Brandon Garcia (113), Jacob Ritchie (120) and Nic Moyers (285); Harrisonburg’s Jordan Dove (132); and Broadway’s Tyler Funkhouser (195).

 

In the Group A tournament, East Rockingham’s Dyland Cook (113 pounds) and Daniel Shifflett (170) were also eliminated Friday.