CFNN Reporter Favour Murtala

Cape Fear Wrestling took the trip to the Greensboro coliseum for the North Carolina state championship with one goal in mind, everyone leaves a champ. Tye Johnson, Samuel Aponte and Landon Sargent were the three outstanding wrestlers who represented Cape Fear for a chance at a ring.

Aponte, who was in his 4th state championship appearance, had the chance to take home his third title, and he did not disappoint. The road for Aponte wasn’t easy though. Aponte found himself down 9-2 in the semi final match at the start of the 3rd period. It was a short lived lead for his opponent though, as Aponte mounted a furious comeback, evening the score at 9-9. The match went to triple overtime where Samuel kept his opponent down and secured his spot in the final. Aponte went on to win the final 5-3, securing his 3rd state title.

For his amazing effort and thrilling victories, Aponte was named the 3A Most Outstanding Wrestler for the tournament.

“I honestly thought I was going to lose when I looked at the score in my semi final match. My Dad talked to me during injury time and asked me if this is how I was willing to go out and I immediately flipped the switch,” Aponte said. ”This all carried over to my finals match as well, and I’m just happy to call myself a three timer.”

Johnson had a chance to do something that had never been done in Cumberland county history, win a state title as a freshman. Johnson, despite his young age, was the favorite to win 113. Johnson made sure the predictions were correct, easing his way into the final as predicted. Johnson’s most exciting match was in the final where he and his opponent battled to an 8-8 tie at the end of regulation. Johnson then got a swift takedown in overtime to cement himself in North Carolina wrestling history.

“Everyday we walk in the wrestling room and say I’m going to be a state champ. and now I am,” Johnson said. “I’m just happy to make my family proud, but it doesn’t end here. I’m striving for four.”

Sargent was looking for his first ring after being a runner up his last 2 years at states. Being the underdog didn’t phase Landon, who pinned his way to the final just like he has done all season long. Although dominant, Sargent was battling a horrible fever the whole tournament, which even caused him to take an IV two hours before his finals match. In the finals, Sargent got a chance to avenge his only loss of the season, as he took on Xavier Wilson from Eastern Guilford who defeated Sargent in the regional finals the week before.

Sargent battled sickness and a tough opponent, but he fought till the end where a last second takedown lost him the match 3-1, but as Head Coach Heath Wilson said, “he went down swinging.”

Nonetheless, the Colts finished the season strong with 3 state placers, 2 of them state champions. Aponte and Sargent will forever be remembered by Cape Fear wrestling for their hard work, dedication to the team, and their winning attitudes. Congratulations, gentlemen; you’ve earned it.