Football season is over, yes that is depressing, but I woke up to very good news this morning. The Hokies have a wrestler ranked #1 in the country at his weight class for the first time since 2002. Devin Carter is the top wrestler in the country at 133 pounds, I'm probably more impressed with this than most of you because I have watched him wrestle from the time he was a freshman in high school.
Devin Carter, born in New Jersey, moved to Christiansburg, VA to wrestle for Coach Dresser, now the Hokies head coach, as a freshman. Devin started at 103 pounds for Christiansburg, but I was told he only weighed 95 pounds at the time. As a freshman he made the state finials, and lost on a takedown in overtime to, now Appalachain State wrestler Tony Gravely, causing him to bring home the silver medal. I guess Devin liked gold better, because he never lost another VHSL tournament in the rest of his career. He compiled a career record of 199-15, just one win from the elustrious 200-win club.
After his senior year, Devin moved on to wrestle for the Hokies in Blacksburg. An ACC rookie of the year selection, as well as an ACC academic honor roll selection, Carter compiled a freshman record of 35-7, and won the ACC tournament, receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament where he made the round of twelve and was one win from the medal round.
This year Carter has hit the mat with a purpose, amassing a season record of 21 wins to just one loss. His one loss came to Ohio State freshman Logan Steiber, whom Carter battled during his high school career as well. His biggest win came during the finals of the Midlands, where Carter upset Iowa's 133-pound wrestler, Tony Ramos, in OT. It was this win that ultimately gave Carter the top spot. Iowa's Ramos and former #1 ranked wrestler from Oklahoma State, Jordan Oliver, battled in an OT thriller Saturday night with Ramos coming out on top.
The fact that Carter beat Ramos, and Ramos beat Oliver vaulted Carter to that #1 ranking at the 133-pound weight class. The hard work and determination of Carter shows, after Intermat revealed the rankings this morning. Don't expect Devin to stop here though. He will continue to work hard until his hand is raised and he wears that gold awarded by the NCAA.
Comments
We're #1!
Excellent!
Unless youre involved in the sport many dont realize that VA is a superb recruiting ground for wrestling. Iowa always seems to be at the top, but VA boasts a ton of talent. Kids start wrestling very early so its not unheard of to have Freshman dominate at the state championship level. Thanks Booth!
Love wrestling
Thanks for the info. I wrestled in this area while in high school and you don't find too much information regarding wrestling on most of the other sites. I am glad someone cares enough about the sport to share some information regarding these very dedicated and amazing athletes.
Would Love to Do More
If not for the fact that I coach AAA high school wrestling in Virginia, you would see a lot more coverage. I started out covering every match, but then our season started and my world is consumed with the 14 young men I coach on a daily basis. But, I do care enough about the sport to advocate for it. That's why I write about the Hokies wrestling team every chance I get. I also plan to go to the ACC Championship and cover that for you guys as well.
Wrestling
You can tune in to some of their matches on Hokies All-Access as well if you have a subscription.
Source
Where would one go to keep up with current collegiate wrestling rankings? Because the sources I'm finding are nooot gooooood...