THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 3, 1995 TAG: 9502010343
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
THE ANNUAL Great Bridge-Western Branch wrestling showdown still draws a capacity crowd, and it still features some of the most intense wrestling anywhere. But for the third year in a row, Great Bridge reduced wrestling's ``Rivalry for the '90s'' into yet another display of Wildcat power.
Great Bridge's 49-11 victory Saturday not only clinched the Southeastern District title, but it also ran the Wildcats' league winning streak to 43. Four of the victories have come at the expense of the Bruins, the last team to defeat Great Bridge (1990).
The Bruins tried mightily to reverse their fate, juggling their lineup to produce favorable matchups. But the strategy unraveled when Great Bridge freshman Bruce Fowler stunned Lee Butler at 112. One shift, moving top-ranked 152-pounder Byron Tucker to 160, paid off big as the Western Branch senior dominated previously unbeaten and top-ranked Billy Allred.
But by then, it was too late. Great Bridge closed out the match emphatically with pins in the final three weight classes.
Despite the easy victory, however, Great Bridge coach Steve Martin, aware of a potential rematch with the Bruins in Saturday's Eastern Region Duals tournament final, was in no mood for gloating.
``They're still a real good team,'' he said. ``We'll expect to see them again.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MARTIN SMITH-RODDEN
RIGHT: Christian Basnight of Great Bridge looms over Corey Boswell
of Western Branch. Great Bridge closed out the match with pins in
the final three weight classes.
ABOVE: Byron Tucker of Western Branch grapples Billy Allred of Great
Bridge at Saturday's match. Great Bridge's victory clinched the
title.
by CNB