Cavaliers Shine at Southern Scuffle
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Virginia wrestling team showcased their talent at the Southern Scuffle, with three Cavaliers securing podium finishes. Kyren Butler, Gable Porter, and Colton Washleski all performed admirably in their respective weight classes, contributing to Virginia’s overall team score of 57.0 points, enough for a 13th place finish in a competitive field.
Performance Highlights
Butler, wrestling at 141 pounds, recorded a 2-1 match record, ultimately finishing seventh. His only setback was against teammate Gable Porter, who ended the day with a commendable 3-1 record for a fifth-place finish in the same weight class. Porter’s season record now stands at an impressive 16-4 after this event. Meanwhile, Colton Washleski also claimed fifth place in the 157-pound bracket, concluding the day with a 3-1 record and bringing his season tally to 16 wins against 5 losses.
This marked the second consecutive year that Virginia managed to place at least three wrestlers at the Southern Scuffle, showcasing the program’s growth and competitive spirit.
Coach’s Insight
Head Coach Steve Garland expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “I am really proud with how we finished up this tournament. It certainly didn’t start great, but I’m very pleased with the way we decided to finish this thing. Colton (Washleski), Kyren Butler, and Gable Porter were warriors today. These results should help our guys in building their case for the NCAA tournament.” Garland also mentioned the need to address persistent issues as the team prepares for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) dual competition, emphasizing the importance of refining their techniques before their upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead
The Cavaliers are set to kick off the ACC dual competition next week, with their first dual match against No. 9 NC State on Friday, January 9. Action is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Reynolds Coliseum, where the Cavaliers will seek to build on their recent momentum from the Southern Scuffle.
Virginia Results at the Southern Scuffle
141 pounds: Kyren Butler – Seventh Place Finish
R32: Butler dec. George Rosas (Citadel), 11-5
R16: Aldo Hernandez (App. State) dec. Butler, 6-3
Conso. R16-2: Butler over Cael Nasdeo (Penn State) by medical forfeit
Conso. R8-1: Butler dec. Jaden Crumpter (Michigan St.), 12-5
Conso. R8-2: Butler tech fall Devon Harrison (NDSU), 20-3 (6:38)
Conso. R4: Gable Porter (UVA) dec. Butler, 1-0
Seventh Place Match: Butler dec. Nick Vafiadis (Navy), 9-3
Gable Porter – Fifth Place Finish
R32: Porter dec. Marley Washington (Davidson), 11-3
R16: No. 32 Dario Lemus (Maryland) dec. Porter, 8-6
Conso. R16-2: Porter major dec. Michael Olson (NDSU), 8-0
Conso. R8-1: Porter pinned Hunter Mason (Chattanooga), 5:42
Conso. R8-2: Porter dec. Jesse Vasquez (Cal Baptist), 4-0
Conso. R4: Porter dec. Kyren Butler (UVA), 1-0
Conso. SF: No. 22 Tom Crook (VT) dec. Porter, 5-2
Fifth Place Match: Porter over No. 19 Haiden Drury (Utah Valley) by medical forfeit
157 pounds:
Colton Washleski – Fifth Place Finish
R64: Washleski dec. Mekhi Neal (Maryland), 3-1
R32: Washleski dec. Kai O’Dell (App. State), 8-2
R16: Washleski dec. Mark Takara (Utah Valley), 4-1
QF: Kyrel Leavell (Citadel) dec. Washleski, 6-1
Conso. R8-2: Washleski major dec. Kendrick Hodge (Campbell), 11-2
Conso. 4: Washleski dec. Jaivon Jones (Little Rock), 4-2
Conso. SF: Jonathan Ley (Navy) dec. Washleski, 2-1
Fifth Place Match: Washleski dec. Kyrel Leavell (Citadel), 10-4
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Results marked in italics indicate match outcomes on Sunday.
