After being out with a hand injury for six weeks, Chase McDaniel returned to the mat in Chesapeake at the Colon E. Baker Classic to claim the championship title at his first tournament of the season. In the second period of the finals round, Chase displayed true dominance, with characteristic poise, by way of a Technical Fall (a differential of 15 points) win, also known as the ‘mercy’ or ‘slaughter’ rule. Even during his recovery time, Chase continued to condition, shadow drill and work on light exercises with head coach, Tim Nininger. This Cave Spring sophomore has been wrestling for eleven years and he considered this a minor setback. “It felt good to be back on the mat. I just wanted to stay focused and composed; I felt pretty solid out there”, he said. Chase has an impressive high school record, most notably; he’s a two time state finalist. Cave Spring Knights are making their mark as a team this year. At the Colin E Baker tournament last week, Chase McDaniel (138lbs) took 1st place, Coty Love (145lbs) placed second, Josh McCray (106lbs) placed fourth and two wrestlers placed 6th, Lucas Mobley (132lbs) and Cody Amos (160).

Submitted by Danielle Apple