Two Mathews High School wrestlers—Billy Bower and Austin Fravel—placed fifth in Virginia’s Group A state tournament, which was held on Friday and Saturday at the Salem Civic Center.

Overall, Mathews wrestlers were 9-16 for the weekend. "With only two regional champs and eight qualifying, most of our wrestlers were seeded low and had a tough first round," MHS head coach Tom Holaday said.

"The good news is we only graduate two so next year we will have six returning qualifiers," Holaday added. "It was good experience for these young wrestlers to participate in the tournament and set goals for next year."

Grundy won the team title, topping second-place Strasburg 143-128 in the standings. Manassas Park (121) was third and Rural Retreat (90.5) fourth. Mathews ended up tied for 19th place with 33 points.

Bower (170 lbs.), a senior and team captain, won his first two matches on Friday night, defeating wrestlers from Lee and Buffalo Gap high schools. On Sa...