The Ponte Vedra High School wrestling team defeated the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets Jan. 24 by a score off 40-33. Significant victories were scored by Tank Reed, 120 pounds, by pin; Ethan Baur, 145, by pin; and Evan Merry, 152, by major decision 17 to 9.
The following night, the Sharks traveled to the Bishop Kenny Crusaders and came up short in the win column, primarily due to forfeiting six points per weight class at 160, 170, 189; the final score was 54-24. Big winners for the Sharks included Gavin Riccobono, Preston Turner and Harrison Crowley, who pinned their opponents for six-point wins; and James Stanton and Evan Merry, who showed their mettle by winning hard-fought two-point battles against experienced wrestlers.
In addition, two first-year wrestlers scored fine victories in JV matches that preceded the varsity contest. Riley Dimberg won in overtime, while Alex Kim hit a headlock to record a first-period pin.
On Jan. 27 and 28, the Sharks completed a busy week by competing in the Terry Parker Dual Meet Tournament, where Merry continued to shine as he went 4-2 with four pins with his two close losses being up a weight class at 160 pounds.
