Mathews wins FHS wrestling tournament
Published 11:38 am Monday, January 10, 2011
![SH 285 weight Bryan Mabrey gets pin vs Mathews](https://www.thetidewaternews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2011/01/SH-285-weight-Bryan-Mabrey-gets-pin-vs-Mathews.jpg)
Southampton High School's Bryan Mabrey pins a Mathews wrestler during the Matt Bryant Memorial Wrestling Tournament at Franklin High School on Saturday. Mathews went on to win the first-ever event. -- Frank Davis | Tidewater News
BY FRANK DAVIS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
f.davis@charter.net
FRANKLIN—Franklin Wrestling Coach Daniel K. “Bull” Johnson always wanted to do something for deceased Bronco wrestler Matt Bryant. Johnson carried it out Saturday, by hosting a tournament in his honor.
For the finals, it came down to King William going up against Mathews. After the last pin of the day, Mathews came off on top with a 42-39 win.
The Matt Bryant Memorial Wrestling Tournament, also known as the MBM Duals, included teams from throughout Region A. The event was expected to help in determining regional seedings.
Eight teams competed in the event. Essex High School did not show; weather was considered a factor.
For the duals, teams were divided into Pools A & B with each wrestling every team in their pool. At the end of the day, the two teams with the best record battled for the championship.
Southampton High School pulled off one victory during the day with a 36-30 win over Middlesex. Second-year Indian Coach Vernon Bryant said he felt good about the tournament, and that many wrestlers had worked hard to make weight. He added that with budget constraints it was good having a local tournament.
Although the Broncos put up a good fight, they did not win in their three matches. Johnson noted they did a lot of good wrestling and gained much experience.
Johnson said he was pleased with the tournament.