LUMBERTON — The Purnell Swett wrestling team capped off a historic season by sending nine wrestlers to the all-county team along with the Wrestler and Coach of the Year after appearing in the state dual tournament for the first time in program history.

Lumberton had five wrestlers named to the team.

Purnell Swett’s Rommie McNeill earned wrestler of the year honors after taking home the same award for the Sandhills Athletic Conference. The 145-pounder finished first in the region and third at states. He compiled a record of 46-4, including a 7-0 mark in conference matchups.

At the helm for the Rams was head coach Nicky Barnes, who was named coach of the year after guiding the team to a conference championship. The Rams fell to Cary in the regional finals of the state dual tournament.

Barnes sent seven wrestlers to states. In addition to McNeill’s third-place finish, William Deese placed sixth in the 132-pound division.

Other Purnell Swett wrestlers named to the all county team include Noah Emanuel at 120 pounds, Jastan Simmons at 126, Deese at 132, Jonathan Locklear at 138, McNeill at 145, Brody Oxendine at 153, Ronald McNeill at 160, Seneka Locklear at 170 and Millard Locklear at 220.

Lumberton’s selections include Sincere Johnson at 106 pounds, Noah Taylor at 113, Derrick McCall at 182, Edward Brock at 195 and Tray Regan at 285.

Taylor was the SAC champion in the 113-pound division and finished sixth at states.

The Pirates had six wrestlers compete at states.

St. Pauls had Damien Ortiz and Harry Locklear earn honorable mention nods for the all-county team. Purnell Swett’s Cayden Scott and Rayshawn Baker were honorable mentions. For Lumberton, Yakemeian Johnson, Armando Marquez, Dairente McLaurin and Alex Hammonds were honorable mentions.

Barnes
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_nicky2018327155012253.jpgBarnes

McNeill
https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_RommieMcNeill201832715501363.jpegMcNeill

Staff report