The Mathews High School wrestling team placed 12th in last weekend’s VHSL Group 1A State Championships at the Salem Civic Center, with three Blue Devil wrestlers earning places on the winners’ podium, according to head coach Josh Schaible.

Mathews ended the competition with 38 team points. Rural Retreat won the Group 1A tournament with 200.5 points, followed by Riverheads (155 points) and Patrick Henry (83 points).

Individuals placing for Mathews were freshman Aaron Miles (106 lbs., fourth place), and seniors Caleb Johnson (138 lbs., fourth place) and Joe Hall (220 lbs., third place).

Miles, who finished the season with a 29-9 record, won an 8-4 decision in the quarterfinals against Hayden Lowe of Holston.

Johnson, who posted a 34-10 season record, came back after losing in the quarterfinals to beat Lancaster’s William Parker in the first consolation round by pin. He scored another pin over Sam Barnes of Rappahannock County in the consolation semifinals. 

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