Bracken finishes state runner-up; Shifflett reaches 100 wins
~ PVN staff report
SALEM, Feb. 21 — The Page County wrestling team sent three male wrestlers to the VHSL Class 2 State Wrestling Tournament in late February at the Salem Civic Center…and all three Panthers reached the podium, earning medals and all-state status.
“In the 10-year program, Page County Wrestling has never had three all-state place finishers in a single season, and we’ve never finished this high in points as a team in the state wrestling tournament…but they did this year,” PCHS head wrestling coach Greg Martin said. “I can’t say enough about their effort. It was so awesome to see them get on the podium.”
Senior Michael Shifflett, wrestling in the 144-pound class, captured his 100th win in front of 5,000 spectators in Salem and ended his career as a Panther with a record of 101-35. Shifflett became a two-time, all-state performer after going 2-2 at the state meet and finishing in fifth place.
Senior Cameron Deal also earned all-state honors after going 2-3 in the 132-pound weight class and capturing sixth place at the state tournament, to finish off a stellar high school career.
Coach Martin said sophomore Logan Richards has “a bright future in front of him” after going 2-3 at state in the 157-pound weight class and earning sixth place, as well as all-state honors.
A few days later, the Page County wrestling team sent two female grapplers to the Henrico Sports Complex near Richmond to participate in the VHSL Girls State Wrestling Tournament.
Juniors Bri Bracken and Kayla Pence both qualified for the state tournament after finishing in the top four at a zone qualifier on Feb. 18 at Franklin County High School. Bracken went 5-1 at the zone qualifier to take third place in the 120-pound weight class, while Pence went 4-1 in the 138-pound class to also capture third place. Casey Bailey also competed at the zone qualifier in her first year of wrestling, but went 0-2.
On Feb. 25-26 in Henrico, Bracken reached the state championship match. The senior came out strong and was only down 9-6 when she was pinned by Roberts from Riverheads in the third period. This was a rematch from the previous week at the zone qualifier in which Bracken dropped a 16-4 decision. She finished 3-1 at the state tournament and a state runner-up in the 120-pound weight class.
Pence went 1-2 in the 138-pound class at state, losing her final match in overtime.
“I’m so proud of them both,” Coach Martin said. “Bri Bracken, just a junior, was the first state finalist ever in Page County wresting. She came up short, but she was in that match the whole time.
“I’m also pleased with Kayla Pence’s performance,” Coach Matin added. “She came up short from getting on the podium, but she had a solid year for the Panthers… and she’s only a junior as well.”
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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