By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Cherokee High School will play host to the 1A-West Regional Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 18-19. Over 250 wrestlers from various schools in the western part of North Carolina will travel to compete for their shot at the state tournament being held next weekend in Greensboro. The top four wrestlers in in each weight division in this weekend’s Regional will advance to state.
The action kicks off Friday, Feb. 18 at around 5pm and will continue Saturday morning at around 9am.
Cherokee has several high-seeded wrestlers that will be in action at the Regional. John Roper (34-4) is the #2 seed in the 171lb. division that includes 2010 state runner-up Jacob Fregia (21-2) from East Surry and Will Bird (22-2) is the #2 seed in the 189lb. division.
In what could be the division to watch for in the entire tournament, Tavi Rivera (34-5) is the #2 seed in the 160lb. division that includes undefeated and defending state champion Jesse Beaver (25-0) from Murphy.
Other Cherokee wrestlers in action at the Regionals include: Levi Swearengin (32-9) #3 seed at 125lb., Colby Yanez (18-5) #3 seed at 135lb., Wesley Long (15-15) #9 seed at 140lb., and Michael Montelongo (18-8) #4 seed at 285lb.
The 285lb. division is stacked with EBCI tribal members with Christian Crowe (23-2) from Swain at #1, Sam Wahnetah (31-6) from Andrews at #2 and Montelongo at #4.
