Spartans Defend Battle of Ashburn Trophy

2x Champions Now the Only Ones in School

Photography by Jessica DiNovo

  On December 20th, the wrestlers of Broad Run were told to bring the Battle of Ashburn trophy to the site of this year's competition at Stone bridge HS.  Coach Totaro had only one message for them - it comes back; no excuses.

  The Battle of Ashburn, sponsored by Honda of Dulles, is a year long competition held between the 3 Ashburn schools in a 3-way slug fest for bragging rights in each specific sport.  Going into the night, only two teams at Broad Run could return as 2x Champions - the Boys Basketball team and your very own grapplers.

  "Coach Costa and I made it very clear that in no way did we plan on giving that trophy to anyone else," Coach Totaro said when asked about the matches.  "Rivalry matches are a pride thing; you need to step up your game no matter what the circumstance," he added.  And a bit of adversity would strike the Spartans as they lost a starter just hours before the match.  In the end, they would do it without him and come out victorious in both matches.

  The night started against Briar Woods, crosstown rival to the South, led by their superstar Michael Hulcher at 126.  Though Hulcher was able to earn his 100th win against the Spartans, he team was no match for the Spartans, who would win by a team score of 46-25.

  Leading the match for Broad Run were the upper weights, led by Logan Shain and Connor Bryant.  Both would record first period pins to earn 12 points, and Phillip James (220) and Ewen Riordan would accept forfeits to earn 12 more.  Also returning to the lineup after a mild injury was Senior Tarkan Martin who was also able to add a win to the Spartans total.

  Following a defeat of the Falcons, Broad Run was only one win away from bringing the BOA trophy right back to its proper home.  In the final match of the night, the Bulldogs of Stone Bridge would fall to a final score of 60-22. 

  This match was over quickly as the Spartans accepted forfeits at 145, 182 and 195, but also added pins at 160, 220 and 285 to take an early 42-6 lead.  The Spartans would add two more pins and only lost 3 matches overall on the night, as well as giving up a forfeit in the final match of the night.

  Following their defense of the Battle of Ashburn trophy, the team gathered for a team picture and celebration.  The team commented of the incredible presence of the "15th man" as Broad Run had probably the most parental and alumni support.  It's always great to see so many come out and support, and soon it will be time for Alumni night!