The Smithfield High School varsity wrestling team traveled to Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach on Dec. 14 to compete in the school’s annual King of Beasts Invitational Wrestling Tournament. The team placed 10th overall with five of the eight competing wrestlers placing in the tournament.

All three of the returning starters from the previous season improved their finishes at the tournament this year.

Sophomore Zachary Fuller, 106 pounds, placed sixth last season and finished with a second period pin to take third place in the tournament, going 3-1 overall.

Sophomore Noah Nichols, 157 pounds, did not place last season and made the consolation finals this season to take fourth place, going 4-2 on the day.

Senior John Obasun, 190 pounds, also did not place last season and finished in sixth place this year, going 3-3 overall.

Also placing were newcomers Junior Samantha Ray, 145 pounds, securing a second period fall in consolation finals to take third place in the women’s division and Senior Conner Keating, 215 pounds, also making the consolation finals and taking fourth place.

Also competing were sophomore Brandon Warf, 113 pounds, sophomore Timothy Sanders, 132 pounds, and junior Logan Stuzzieri, 144 pounds.

The varsity team returned to the mat on Dec. 17 at Peninsula Catholic High School for a tri-meet with matches starting at 5:30 p.m. The team will travel to Ocean Lakes High School on Dec. 20-21 for the annual Toys 4 Tots Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Wrestling starts at 1 pm on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday.

To purchase tickets, all spectators must go to the GoFan website to digitally purchase their tickets and print or show them on their phone to the ticket counter.

The team is coached by head varsity coach Brandon Voros and head assistant coach Albert Kates.