Apprentice School wrestling team holds annual awards banquet

The Apprentice School wrestling team held its banquet on Wednesday, April 4 at the Point Plaza Hotel and Conference Suites in Newport News.

The Builders finished 19-8 this season and took second at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Mid-Atlantic Conference meet. They also had a top 12 finish at the NCWA national meet.

Junior Ty Ford, freshman Ian Jones and and senior Marcus Chevres earned the Iron Builder Award for being named All-Americans.

Ford took sixth at 125 pounds at the national meet while Jones was seventh in the heavyweight division. Chevres placed third at 133 pounds and is a four-time All-American.

Chevres was also tabbed as the Most Valuable Wrestler after going 30-4. He has the most wins in program history with 134. He only lost 37 times in his career. Chevres will join the coaching staff of the wrestling team next season.

Anthony Damico was given the Heart of the Builder Award. The senior went 20-16 at 165 pounds and finished 82-70 in his career. Eight of his wins were by pin this season.

Justin Martz was named the most improved wrestler. The freshman fashioned a record of 33-20 this year, primarily wrestling at 184 pounds. His 33 wins is a school record for a freshman.

Kevin Gray won the Model of Excellence Award. The junior had a record of 24-12 and wrestled at 235 and 285 pounds during the season. At one point this season, he went 13-3.

Junior Stuart Roes won the Builder Award. He went 18-10 and won nine of his matches by pin. During a stretch in January, he won nine of his 10 matches. The Builder Award is given to a student-athlete who has shown excellence in craftsmanship, scholarship, leadership and sportsmanship.

Don Ward was given the Man of the Year Award for his work with the wrestling community through the Virginia Duals and other wrestling outlets.

Filed under: SPORTS