By Hannah Johnson
Sports Writer

After a successful weekend competing in the NCHSAA 2A Eastern Regional Tournament Feb. 13-14, four Nighthawk wrestlers will leave for Greensboro today with hopes of returning as state champions.

Defending state champion Alex Monaco picked up his third straight regional title in the 145-lb weight class. Monaco defeated the number two seed Kevin Cagle of Dixon High in the final round. Monaco was also named the Most Outstanding Wrestler for the second year in a row.

Kyle Cortez, a 10th grader who wrestles in the 132-lb weight class, finished second at regionals. Cortez entered the tournament with an overall record of 36-7 that included an 18-match win streak. Cortez lost in the finals to Josh Markham of Northeastern.

“It feels good to be a sophomore that placed at regionals and qualify for states,” Cortez said. “I improved a lot over the season, especially since I didn’t place at regionals last year. I wrestled some tough matches but I always came out on top and I hope to do the same thing at states.”

Sophomore Connor Hughes finished fourth in the 170-lb weight class at regionals which qualified him for the state tournament as well. Hughes finished the regular season with a record of 34-7. He won his first two matches at regionals before losing in the third round to Washington High School’s Devon Van Cura who won the regional title. After landing in the consolation bracket, Hughes wrestled back to the bracket finals before losing to Dixon’s Seth Schoonover.

“I lost my last match in triple overtime so I am not very happy about that, but it’s exciting to know I’m going to states again in hopes (of winning) a state title,” Hughes said. “Being a sophomore that placed at regionals is something to be proud of, but I also have the next two years to work harder and place higher.”

For senior Landon Leithauser the regional tournament was bittersweet. Leithauser, who wrestles at 160-lbs, entered the tournament with a perfect 42-0 record on the season. He wrestled his way to the tournament finals but lost to Zach Winegardner from Southwest Onslow.

“I didn’t do as (well) as I wanted to at regionals but I’m extremely excited for states especially since I was forced to withdraw from the competition last year,” Leithauser said. “I’m ready to make a huge comeback at states.”

Matches begin at 5 p.m. today in the NCHSAA 2A state championships in Greensboro. Get live updates on the NCHSAA 2A wrestling state championships.

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