By Stephen Peters
Sports Writer

The “saucy six” are headed to the NCHSAA 2A Individual Wrestling State Championship Tournament. That’s what this group of First Flight wrestlers is calling themselves as they embark on a journey that could mean a lifetime achievement for a high school wrestler.

“States is really nerve-racking. I’ve never been to anything this big before or had this much pressure on me,” freshman Connor Hughes said. “I just know I have to wrestle really hard.”

Hughes joins juniors Alex Monaco, Landon Leithauser and Sam Eure, and seniors Jordan Rodrigues and Andrew Griffin as they compete in their individual weight classes for a state title at the NCHSAA 2A Wrestling State Championships in Greensboro. Rodrigues, Leithauser, and Monaco competed at states last year. Monaco placed third in the state for his weight class while Landon came in fifth.

“States is nerve-racking because we’ve never seen these kids wrestle before,” Rodrigues said. “This is like a whole new wrestling match. You don’t know your opponent, his favorite moves and stuff like that. It’s blind wrestling.”

Freshman Conor Hughes
Weight Class: 160

The last freshman to make the trek to the state championships was Alex Monaco. Hughes is in a particularly difficult weight class. At 160, his opponents will most likely be using a balance of quickness and power. Despite the toughness of his competitors, Conor fought valiantly and was able to post a record of 23-11. At the 2A Regional Wrestling Individual Tournament, Conor wrestled really hard, winning the qualification round against the “kid’ that beat him twice during the season.

“I had a lot of pressure on me at regionals, but I fought through it and it was worth it because I qualified as a freshman for states,” Hughes said.

Conor expects to do well in the competition but doesn’t deny the challenge that the level of his opponents bring.

“I’ve got some stiff competition,” Hughes said. “My first round opponent is the state runner-up, so I have just got to be focused.”

Junior Alex Monaco
Weight Class: 132

This is not junior Alex Monaco’s first trip to states.

“This is the third year in a row I’ll be heading to states, so I’m pretty used to it by now and it’s a good feeling to know that you’re one of the best in the state.”

Monaco had a great season, posting a record of 34-3. At regionals Monaco swept the competition, earning the 2A East title.

“I wrestled really well at regionals. I wrestled some tough opponents and all my technique came together really well I also won Most Valuable Wrestler.”

Monaco has some pretty tough opposition waiting for him at states.

“I sort of know who they are,” Monaco said. “The thing is I already know is no matter what, I’m going to wrestle good competition. So, I’m just going to wrestle my style and hopefully take a state title.”

Junior Landon Leithauser
Weight Class: 152

Junior Landon Leithauser is a talented wrestler. He showed his talent this season, posting a record of 25-3. The 152-lb weight class frequently features some of the state’s most elite wrestlers. At regionals Landon finished second and qualified for states.

“It is a great feeling knowing I’m heading to states, and the competition is a lot harder than any other opponent we’ve face.”

Junior Sam Eure
Weight Class: 138

Sam Eure faced a tough season and came out with an outstanding record of 34-7. At Regionals Sam wrestled hard and snuck into a qualifying position.

“Regionals was good. I earned third place. It’s the first time I have ever placed and qualified for states.”

Eure summed up his adversaries with a shoulder shrug.

“I know I face a guy from the midwest first, and he would be the hardest match I have.”

Eure is excited to compete in the state championship and looks forward to the challenge that it brings.

“Going to states is a great accomplishment,” Eure said. “Everyone who supported and supports me now is proud.”

Senior Jordan Rodrigues
Weight Class: 170

As a senior and captain Jordan Rodrigues had expectations to make states and compete for a title in his final year. Rodrigues completed the regular season with a record of 21-4. Jordan wrestled well at regionals and placed second in his weight class.

“Regionals went really well as whole. We had six state qualifiers and we came in as fourth as a team out of 16 teams,” Rodrigues said.

Rodrigues will face some pretty tough opponents at states.

“I know my first match will be difficult; he has a record of 50-2. He is beatable – at least he has lost two times,” Rodrigues said. “I’m just going to go at it with a good mindset because if you win your first two matches you place top six. So, I’m just trying to get on that podium.”

Senior Andrew Griffin
Weight Class: 106

In his final season as a wrestler at First Flight, Andrew Griffin put up some good numbers with a record of 28-9. Griffin sneaked into the state tournament, placing third at regionals.

“Regionals was intense,” Griffin said. “Going to states is pretty awesome. It’s a big accomplishment for me.”

Griffin will face some quick and athletic wrestlers in his 106 weight class. He thinks he may know what it will take to win.

“I want to be more aggressive,” Griffin said. “Kids at 106 aren’t very aggressive.”