CFNN Reporter Favour Murtala

The Colts Wrestling Squad had a lot on the line last Wednesday as they competed in front of their biggest crowd this season against Grays Creek, and they did not disappoint.

The Colts started the night by honoring their seniors in their first and last home match of the wrestling season. Robert Moore, Favour Murtala, Landon Sargent, Daniel Collins, and Samuel Aponte all walked across the mat and received recognition for their commitment to the team.

When the matches began, the Colts jumped out to an early 18-13 lead with wins coming from Tye Johnson, Aiden Ratten, Samuel Aponte, and Jarred Wilson.

Wilson arguably had the match of the day in a thriller where he came back down 6 points and pinned his opponent for the win.

“I just wanted to help the team,” Wilson said. “I just trusted what I learned at practice and it translated. Ugly or not, a win is a win.”

After the first half of matches, the Colts paused everything to honor legendary coach Michael Stanbridge by dedicating the wrestling room to him. Coach Stanbridge started the wrestling program in 1972 and went on to win the program’s first state championship in 1983-84. In 2011, Stanbride was inducted into the Fayetteville Sports Club Hall of Fame and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame a year later.

“Coach Stanbridge left an everlasting impact on not just me, but the wrestling culture at Cape Fear,” said Head Coach Heath Wilson. “He set the standard for nothing short of greatness for Cape Fear wrestling.”

Wrestling resumed shortly after in which the Colts dominated, winning six out of the last seven matches.

Senior Captain Landon Sargent had 99 wins going into his match. He is currently ranked first in 3A wrestling in the state. He is a two-time state runner up, and he is looking to bring home a state title in his final season of wrestling for the Colts.

Sargent, normally a 215 lb wrestler, bumped up to heavyweight in an attempt by Coach Wilson to capitalize on a Bear forfeit at 215. Sargent wasted no time scoring in his match, as he swiftly took down his opponent with an inside trip. After toying with the undermatched Bear heavyweight, Sargent turned his man on his back and pinned his opponent in just over one minute, leading him to his One-hundredth win, and eighty-ninth pin, both massive and rare accomplishments.

“It felt great, not a lot of wrestlers get to experience that moment and I’m one of those people that could,” Sargent said. “I’ve come a long way from my freshman year and all I can say is I’m blessed.”

The final score on the night was 54-19. This was a much needed statement win against a good wrestling team.

“Once we put all the pieces together I truly believe we’re one of the better dual teams in the state,” Aponte said. “It’s all starting to mesh together, and everyone is playing their part for the greater good.”