On February 18-19, 2022, the Midlo Wrestling Program took on their competitors at the VHSL Class 5 Wrestling States Championship at Virginia Beach Sports Center under the leadership of Coach Christopher Burks, and Assistant Coaches Lloyd Gregory and Ryan Painter.

The two-day meet comprised of phenomenal performances put on by wrestlers who placed top four at their respective VHSL Class 5 Regional Championships that took place only a few weeks prior. At Regionals, Midlo had eight individual placings by the athletes, allowing them to qualify for states. Given how well the program performed throughout the entirety of the season, the wrestlers had high hopes heading into states.

When it came time to take part in their match-ups at the State level, each of the athletes brought their all. This was most apparent with senior Robbie Painter who left the highly anticipated competition as the newly named 195-pound State Champion.

“The feeling was unreal as it had been a lifelong dream to receive the title of State Champion. When I looked up at the time, I looked to my dad in shock when I knew I had just won,” Painter said. Painter would like to thank his dad, Coach Ryan Painter, Coach Gregory, as well as his teammate and close friend Crew Gregory for “always being by [his] side.”

In addition to Painter, senior Crew Gregory placed third in the 170 weight class, junior Ashby Berry placed fifth in the 182 weight class, and sophomore Knox Berry came in fourth in the 152 weight class. All of these finishes put Midlo in seventh place in the State with a total of 81.5 points. After a successful few months, the program will look to continue building upon their skills in order to carry the momentum into next year as well.

Congratulations, Midlo Wrestling!