Strasburg Rams Secure 10th Place at State Wrestling Championships

The Strasburg wrestling team concluded the 2003-2004 season with a strong 10th-place finish at the Group A State Championships. Held at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Virginia, the event featured 43 schools from four different regions.

Representing the Rams were Clyde Pangle (112), Brandon Holbert (135), Nick Bowers (140), Jeff Musterman (145), Robbie Gossard (171), and Bryan Foley (189). Holbert and Musterman emerged as standout performers.

On the first day of competition, Holbert dominated his matches, securing pins over Cash Brown (Mathews) and Barry Nichols (Floyd County). The Bull Run and Region B champion continued his impressive run on the second day, defeating Greg Johnson (King William) by decision and ultimately defeating Drew Lester (John Battle) 13-5 in the finals.

In the 145-pound weight class, Jeff Musterman claimed his first state championship. The junior showcased his skills on the first day, pinning C.L. Francis (King William) and defeating Cody Blake (Northwood) 9-3. On the second day, Musterman faced Clarke County’s Billy Crouse, securing a 6-0 decision. His final match proved to be a more challenging encounter against John Mueller, which extended into two overtime periods. After a referee’s conference, Musterman was awarded an escape point, securing a 5-4 victory.

Notes: The two individual championships give Strasburg its 46 and 47 in school history. … Fellow Bull Run team Manassas Park took the team championship with 166.5 points, their first since 1985. … A gallery of Holbert and Musterman in action at the championships can be found in the wrestling section. … For the full results of the event visit Mat Talk On-Line.