Contributed report

On February 26, the Powhatan Youth wrestling club- known as Blackhawk wrestling- will enter the VAWA State Championships. 

The young wrestlers from Powhatan will face the toughest competition this year in their battle for state titles and top finishes. 

The event will be held at the Author Ashe Center in Richmond and is the culmination of the hard work the boys have put in this year. 

The team is led by Ross Lewis, Bailey Coates, Brian Smithgall, JP Musachio, Nick Musachio, Justin Fridley, Jake Tomlinson, Clay Swiger, Jonthan Caporale, Steele Oliver, Cody Haislip, Josh Vaden and Thomas Smith. The other young wrestlers on the Powhatan State roster also look to perform well and make a good showing: Brendan King, Jack Leipertz, Sam Tomlinson, Hunter Smith, Jeffrey Hoyt, Hayden Fitzsimmons, Shane Allen, Colby Cheatham, Jeremy Paden, AJ Frazier, Travis Haislip, Conner Donnely, Ausitn Ingram, Austin Walter, Wyatt Richardson, Weston Richardson, Shane Baldwin, Wes Garrett, Darren Prince, Reid Johnson, Austin Richardson and Chase Richardson. 

The wrestlers are preparing on a daily basis. Head Coach Richard Fitzsimmons, Assistant Coaches Chad Vanbuskirk and Michael Walter, Dan Tomlinson, Jerry Hoyt, Jim Lewis, Blake Keirson and Gene Coates are making sure the young wrestlers are ready to battle at the State Tournament.

The youth club placed 39th out of 200 teams last year, with several kids placing in the top 10 in the state. As a team, fans can look forward to these wrestlers competing at a high level and giving it their best.