Hardware was in abundance for head coach Rick Arrington's FCHS Wrestling squad Saturday, as West Frankfort captured four individual Redbird Invite championships en route to claiming the title of its namesake tournament Saturday afternoon at Max Morris Gymnasium.
"I thought everybody that wrestled competed really well," said Arrington. "It's always nice to win your own tournament, especially against the quality competition that was here."
The "Wrestlin' Redbirds" totaled 202 team points on the day, besting second place Highland by more than 40 points.
Grappling veterans junior Hadin Restivo (138 lbs.), sophomore Keegan Gardner (152 lbs.) and senior Charles Leach (160 lbs.) all took home first-place medals, but it was wrestling newcomer Alex Massey (106 lbs.) that ambushed the field with a championship effort in his first ever live action on the mat.
Arrington said it was a pleasant surprise to have Massey step up and secure some much-needed team points in the 106 lbs. field.
"That was his first chance to wrestle at any level and he beat a really good wrestler from Harrisburg in the championship match, so my hat is off to him," said Arrington.
Senior Josh Tharp (182 lbs.) garnered a second-place finish, as did sophomore Bailey Menees, who was edged 9-6 in perhaps the best match of the day in the championship round of the 113 lbs. class.
"Bailey lost to really tough kid from Anna-Jonesboro. He's a senior, so he's got a little bit more experience," said Arrington. "I know Bailey was disappointed, but sometimes you learn more from a loss than win."
Junior Gavin Restivo (145 lbs.) collected a win in third place match, despite competing a bit under the weather and Kyle Law (120 lbs.), William Lenzini (132 lbs.), Kyle Avripas (195 lbs.) and Brady Karnes (220 lbs.) each took home fourth place medals to round out the Redbird finishers.
Arrington said Saturday's eight-team field was a solid way to prepare for the postseason that is quickly approaching for the 'Birds.
"A lot of the wrestlers we faced today we will see again down the road," said Arrington. "Now is the time of the year where we need to push ourselves and face quality competition and continue to get better, which is something that I think we accomplished Saturday. Also, we host our Regional this year, so it gave everyone a little experience in wrestling in the gym and in front a larger crowd."
Arrington was also quick to thank all the volunteers, parents, coaches and others that helped make the 2012 Redbird Invite successful. He said without all the help, the tournament could not have been possible.
"On behalf of myself and the Redbird Wrestling program, I'd like to thank everyone for all their help with the tournament," said Arrington.
