Another slamming success for the Blue Devil Invitational
~January 11- 12, 2008~
By Michael Orr

Photo by Morgen Orr Dave Ladele of A.C. Flora slams Eli Pierce of Crescent.Pierce won this match.

With 23 teams from across the state converging upon Columbia for the annual Blue Devil Invitational Wrestling Tournament, Dreher High School showcased its brand new gymnasium. Utilizing an unheard of five mats simultaneously, some of South Carolina's best and most prestigious programs battled for the coveted crown of 2008 champion. In the end, Chesterfield High School claimed the title, but the real winners were all those involved in wrestling in SC.

Serving as one of the precursors to the state tournaments each year, the Blue Devil Invitational routinely prepares wrestlers for the rigors of the all- important events to come. This year, the 18th consecutive Invitational hosted 18 schools ranked in the state top 20 polls in their respective classes. The level of competition was high, and the wrestlers showcased their skills in front of large crowds.

The Invitational attracts wrestling fans from across S.C. Teams travel from as far as Myrtle Beach and Bluffton. The out- of- town visitors also are a boon for the local economy because the teams and their fans stay, eat, and shop in Columbia for the weekend. The Invitational is also well sponsored locally because many restaurants, grocers, and even the mayor back the event as a cornerstone event in the city. According to Dreher coach Paul Watson, the tournament has become a part of the community and is anticipated nearly as much as the state tournaments.

Photo by Morgen Orr Guy Castles of Hammond is lifted from the mat by Charles Gray of Heathwood Hall. Castles won this match.

Dreher High School wrestling also benefits from the Invitational. The program is fully funded by proceeds from the tournament. Coach Watson adds the awareness and notoriety garnered by the wrestling team and all those associated with the tournament help drive the energy behind not just Dreher wrestling but the advancement of the sport in the area.

Team Results

1. Chesterfield	217.50
2. Airport	172.50
3. Irmo	140.00
4. N. Myrtle Beach	138.50
5. Bluffton	130.50
6. White Knoll	126.50
7. Chapin	116.50
8. Crescent	112.00
9. Blythewood	110.00
10. Camden	102.00
11. Richland N.E.	100.00
12. Sumter	92.00
13. Pickens	88.00
14. Hammond	82.00
15. Swansea	77.00
16. Brookland- Cayce	69.00
17. Chester	65.00
18. Myrtle Beach	58.00
19. A.C. Flora	53.50
20. Marion	52.00
21. Dreher	48.50
22. Ridge View	47.00
23. Heathwood Hall	24.00

Photo by Morgen Orr Shane Lee of White Knoll tries to pin Blythewood's Andrew Berolini. Lee won this match.

Photo by Morgen Orr Dalton Harper of Chesterfield and Corey Johnson of Dreher battle on the mat. Harper won this match and the 140 pound weight class.

Individual Results

103
Ben Willard, Swansea






112
Elijah Burr, Chesterfield











119
Ian Harper, Chesterfield











Kyle Manross, Irmo (2nd)
125
TT Prayther, NMB


Blane Bryant, Irmo (3rd)

130
Robbie Day, White Knoll

Photo by Morgen Orr Ridge View's Daquan Gregory and Hammond's Ross Power battle it out. Gregory won this match.

135
Trey Alley, Chesterfield











Shawn White, RNE (2nd)
Trent Myers, Airport (3rd)
140
Dalton Harper, Chesterfield











Dallas Phillips, B- C (2nd)

145
Josh Sullivan, Sumter





Hudson White, Hammond (2nd)
152
Grayson Hutson, Irmo



Ryan Branham, B- C (2nd)
Tyler Newton, Airport (3rd)
160
Thomas Speers, White Knoll




Justin Goette, Airport (2nd)
Austin Hood, Hammond (4th)

171
Josh Fulmer, Blythewood









189
Chad Porter, B- C
Larry Carter, Dreher (4th)
215
Chris Phillips, Airport






Will Patterson, Hammond (3rd)
275
Ryan Kelly, Airport