Jaguar Wrestlers Make History In Regionals

(Information provided courtesy of FCHS.)

PHOTO: 2015 Falls Church High School Wrestling Team; photo courtesy of FCHS
____________________________

The Falls Church High School wrestling team had its heyday—back in 1982. Since then, there have been individuals who have had success (such as Taylor Thomas who graduated last year and is now wrestling in college). However, they have not had the great team success and sent a wrestler to regionals in every single weight since that year under Coach Wilcox—until now.

Head Coach Dustin Payne is very proud of his group of wrestlers. As he should be. When Coach Payne first started coaching at FCHS several years ago the numbers were low and regional qualifiers were limited. But the program has grown dramatically—and its success has grown with it. Wrestlers are now getting looked at and recruited by college coaches. Each year for the past four seasons they have produced a district champion. And this year has been their greatest success.

The Jaguars are sending 14 wrestlers to regionals as they qualified in every single weight class. This is the first time in history that they are sending 14 wrestlers. While they did send a wrestler in every weight class back in ’82, the format changed in 1996 to include a 14th weight class. With eight seniors, four juniors, and two sophomores, there is a strong sense of determination and leadership.

If you’re trying to find just one individual that was the leader, just one student that took the reigns, you won’t find that here. The Jaguars have reached this success through total teamwork. Coach Payne who is a master chef and the instructor of the Culinary Arts classes at FCHS, says the recipe for their success has been a combination of accountability, hard work, and dedication all mixed together.

The Jaguars go on to compete at Orange HS Friday and Saturday (Feb. 13 and 14).

(Editor’s note: The article is from Falls Church High School, published in its entirety here.)