The Cambridge Varsity Wrestling team placed 4th out of 25 teams in the 2013 North Metro Invitational Wrestling Tournament held this past weekend, January 18-19th at Brookwood High School.
Although host Brookwood won the overall team title with 170 points, our Bears finished strong by putting up 133pts.
Sophomore J.R. Salemi (45-0) led the Bears as he dominated his 7 opponents via pin en route to the 113lb Championship. Salemi also took home this year's "Outstanding Wrestler-Lightweight Division" award as voted on by the tournament Coaches. Salemi is a 2X North Metro Champ.
Junior, Malik McNeil (26-10) roared into the finals winning by decision for the second Bears Championship at 285lbs. Sophomore, Brock Nielson (31-14) took second place at 170lbs. by narrowly losing to the eventual Tournament champ, Sanders from Hillcrest, S.C. Freshman standout Brandon Filosi (41-6) added a 3rd place finish for the Bears at 138lbs. Filosi finished the two day tournament with 6 pins and decisive win for 3rd place as he came back against an extremely tough opponent from Greater Atlanta Christian.
Bears Head Coach Don St James was pleased with his young teams' finish.
"North Metro is an extremely tough tournament. Some of the top tier 6A schools are in our area. Our guys proved they can compete and win. I am especially pleased with our bigger guys stepping up and dominating their opponents", says Coach St James.
The Bears get ready to take on the nationally ranked Pope Greyhounds on Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
Go Bears!!