On Saturday, the wrestling team emerged first at states at the 4A Virginia State Wrestling Championship in Salem, Virginia, becoming the first team to win states two years in a row. Sophomore Kyle Budd and senior Garrett Tingen both came in first place with 3-0.
Being that it’s Tingen’s third time at states, he had a lot of pressure on him before the match to keep his winning streak.
“I was just so happy for it to work out. No one wants to be the one to break the winning streak,” Tingen said. “Hopefully [my legacy] gives young wrestlers hope that they can be better and it will raise the bar higher for them to win.”
Wrestling Coach Doug Fisher says that this win solidifies the notion that if one is willing to work hard, anything is possible.
“Rob  Patchett is a great example of [working hard],” Fisher said. “He was a first-year wrestler as a senior and had a great attitude and put forth the effort, and he not only qualified for our Regional tournament but also scored points which helped the team win another regional title.”
Budd’s opponent that he defeated at states beat him at regionals, and they started out tied. He hopes to win states again next year.
“I want to be like Garrett and win states three times,” Budd said. “This year, all the finalists got to run out and be on stage, which made it more special this year. When I won, I just put my hands over my face. All the emotion came over me.”