This year, the RCHS wrestling team has had an eventful season.  They have won the regional tournament, and other tournaments such as the Shoemaker Classic, Harrisonburg Invitational,  and Valley District. They are undefeated in dual matches, which is where only two teams are competing. Aaron Bruce, the head coach, has led this season.

“The old cliché is true. ‘Success breeds success.’ The last three years the Rockbridge wrestling team has continued its climb.  It’s fun to see the guys now enter the gym with confidence in knowing that the hard work they have put in is finally being rewarded.  The guys have gotten to the point that they expect to win,” Bruce said. 

 This mentality is backed by the stats, as several of the team’s wrestlers have win rates around 90%.  

“I love the intensity of it, it’s only like 6 minutes but it’s your 110% the whole time,” said Seth Youngblood, the highest ranked on the team.  

At the regional championship, it came down to the last match, and the team won by one point.  Bruce has a fresh take on the team’s strategy.

“Our program’s major overarching goal is to foster tight team cohesion.  Being an ‘ individual’ sport, wrestling programs often make the mistake of focusing on individual successes.  At Rockbridge, we have tried to focus on team achievements. Because of this, we feel that when the individual is on the mat doing battle, he will have extra motivation outside of simply trying to achieve a personal goal.” He said.

 This strategy has achieved results, and will be used again in the future.  If you are looking for an exciting afternoon, come to one of the matches and see the wrestlers show their strength.

“We are poised to do very well next season as well, we will return 4 state qualifiers and have several others in the room that will be competitive at the state level next year.” said Bruce.