Two West Stanly wrestlers reach 100-win milestones

Published 9:50 am Monday, January 27, 2025

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Two West Stanly wrestlers are riding into the dual team playoffs after recently notching their 100th wins.
Senior Stone Martin achieved his 100th victory on Dec. 28, 2024, at the West Stanly Duals, where he was named Most Outstanding Wrestler.
After winning the Rocky River Conference tournament on Saturday, Martin, in the 120-pound class, is now at 113-34 for his four-year career, 37-7 for the season.

Stone Martin gained his 100th victory on Dec. 28, 2024. (Contributed)

“I got into wrestling because I used to watch my brother wrestle, and he was the strongest kid I knew, and I wanted to be just as strong as him,” Martin said.
“Wrestling teaches me discipline, motivation and to be a teammate,” he added.
Junior Sawyer Griffin gained his 100th win at the Montgomery Central Duals on Jan. 18. He also won the conference tournament by pin on Saturday.
With a 38-7 season, Griffin is at 105 career wins.
“I originally got started in wrestling because I was too small for other sports like football, baseball, etc., especially for a small kid like me. I weighed 100 pounds my freshman year of high school and I had multiple people tell me to try wrestling,” Griffin said. “I was interested in the sport because I always loved wrestling and fighting with my cousins in the backyard and also watching fighting on TV.”
Griffin also spoke highly of coaches Darrel Watson, Joseph Graves, Jared Watson and Ethan Watson.

Sawyer Griffin recorded his 100th victory on Jan. 18. (Contributed)

“They push me to be the best I can be,” Griffin said. “Wrestling has its ups and downs, but it definitely teaches you to be humble and to have a lot of self-discipline.”
Coach Darrel Watson said West is in the dual team playoffs on Saturday, but their opponent was not known as of press time.
Then it would be the girls regional Feb. 7-8, the boys regional on Feb. 14-15 and the state tournament on Feb. 20-22.

B.J. Drye is general manager/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.