Patriot’s Wrestlers Show Determination to Win at Maryland State Wrestling Tournament
by Charley Johnson
The intense atmosphere of the state wrestling tournament filled the arena as students from across the state gathered to compete for the state champion title. Among the competitors were several Northern High School athletes, Jacob Gough, Ron Mooney, Emily Boling, Grant Neal, and returning state champion Drew Montgomery.
The tournament, held at the Showplace Arena, brought together many student-athletes, each representing their schools with pride. The athletes, including first-time and returning competitors, have spent months preparing for this moment to showcase their skills and push their bodies to the limit.
Northerns standout varsity wrestler, senior Drew Montgomery, entered the tournament as a returning 3 time state champion. Montgomery has been wrestling since he was 4 years old, advancing his skills for the past 15 years. He went into the competition with his head held high stating that he prepared for the state matches by “staying focused, continuing the same routine as the past few years, going to practice, and making sure to get adequate sleep.” Montgomery, entering the states competition having already won the regionals wrestling competition, and with the glory of his past state wins, had a great shot of winning the state competition.
Other returning state competitors included wrestlers Emily Boling and Grant Neal. Boling has competed in states for the past 2 years, placing 2nd sophomore year and 1st junior year. She has been wrestling for the past 3 years as well as being the wrestling team manager her freshman year. Boling walked into states with an impressive win from this year’s regional competition placing 1st in the girl’s heavy weight class. Similarly, Neal had an exciting win at regionals, placing 4th. He has been wrestling for the past 13 years and walked into states confidently, stating that, “at this point there’s not much more we can do,” and had high hopes of placing in the state finals.
Some new faces to the state wrestling scene included freshman Jacob Gough and Sophomore Ron Mooney. Gough has been wrestling since he was six and was excited to have placed 3rd at regionals. Likewise, this is Mooney’s second year wrestling and was thrilled to place 4th at regionals.
As the final matches approached fans cheered loudly, creating a supportive and competitive atmosphere as the athletes fought for glory. Wrestlers found themselves facing even tougher opponents, some even wrestling through pain from previous matches. Wrestlers walked around the arena with iced shoulders, wrapped knees, bruises, and more; however, none of these injuries would stop them from giving it their all and putting their best effort into their match(es).
While this year’s state tournament may have come to a close, ultimately ending the wrestling season, the journey doesn’t end here for these talented wrestlers. Many plan to continue their careers, with some seniors receiving interest from college programs and scholarships because of their performance at states. For our younger athletes, this experience has simply fueled their passion for the sport and inspired them to come back next year.
As the Northern winners, Emily Boling who placed 2nd and Drew Montgomery who placed 1st stood atop the podium, holding their state championship medals high, they knew they had achieved something special. Their hard work, determination, and sportsmanship had paid off.
This year’s tournament reminded our athletes that dedication and hard work pay off, helping them to reach success. Whether they left with medals or just memories, Northerns wrestlers proved that anything is possible with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to leave it all on the mat.