WRESTLING: 2K16 Falcon Invitational preview

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 30, 2016 10:23 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- The best way to handle an embarrassing loss?

Work harder.

That's been the rally cry in the Charles B. Aycock wrestling workout room after a 56-point drubbing from Rosewood in the Pilkington Memorial Duals title match nine days ago.

The emphasis? Pace. Tempo. Reps.

"I called for a coaches-only meeting to discuss and determine what we felt like we needed to change to improve," Golden Falcons head coach Brian Doyle said. "So, in the practices since Pilkington, we've dramatically picked up the pace/tempo of practice. We've pushed the kids' conditioning through getting more technique and situational reps."

Half-paced results? Inexcusable.

Should the theory validate the coaches' plan, they anticipate seeing a competitive and determined group of matmen during their own Falcon Invitational on Friday.

The 19-team individual tournament begins at 9 a.m.

Admission is $10.

"Compete, compete, compete," Doyle said. "Each wrestler has to be focused on three objectives each match -- fiercely compete, score as many points as they can and never give up. If they do that match in and match out, success will happen."

Barring any setbacks, the Golden Falcons will field a competitor in 13 of 14 weight classes. Teammates Tyler Marquard and Joshua Wallace emerged as individual champions at 132 and 160 pounds, respectively, in 2015.

As they have all season, junior Austin Doyle, senior Chris Parks and freshman Tyler Hughes are expected to contend for medals in their respective divisions. The trio -- along with Marquard and Wallace -- have combined to win more than 100 individual bouts this season.

"I expect all our guys to medal, as should they of themselves," coach Doyle said. "This time of year your confidence can take you places and passion has a funny way of triumphing logic."

Rosewood is the hunted.

The reigning champions have just one 2015 Falcon title-holder in their lineup -- Jayden Thomas, who claimed the 138-pound division. Still stirring in the nest are 2015 runners-up Tim Decatur, Chris Hill, Jordan Todd and Seth Finney. Louis Tortual placed fourth.

"Rosewood, Western Harnett and Leesville Road -- I have to say -- are the favorites going in (this week)," Doyle said. "All three possess a strong lineup up and down their roster. We've seen first-hand with Rosewood's domination of our Pilkington Duals and of their own Invitational.

"Western dominated the Grant Wilder Wilson tournament we were part of, taking first place there. I haven't witnessed Leesville Road, but their record and how well they've done in tournaments against strong competition indicates what they'll be bringing on Friday."

Aycock claimed the first eight Falcon Invitational crowns. Since then, five different schools -- Rosewood, Rocky Mount, North Pitt, D.H. Conley and South Central -- have combined to win the last seven championships.

The Golden Falcons ended up second as a team a year ago.