Two Hillsborough High Wrestlers Take Champion Medals at County Championships

Demetrius Hill and Ben Richards took champions medals for the Hillsborough Terrier wrestling team Saturday at the Hillsborough County Wrestling Championships at East Bay High School.

The victories were both over opponents from and came as the Terriers prepare for districts in a week's time. Coach Mike Patrick is hoping that seeing the pair succeed can motivate the rest of his team to raise their game in time for the big showdown.

"They were both favorites, but to pull through and finish the way you should says a lot," Patrick said. "It's good because I brought seven wrestlers to watch and to see two teammates win it gets them pumped up for next week. They're hungry right now, and we're leaving here on a positive note."

Hill's victory came in the 195-pound weight class over Brandon's Robert Enmon by a score of 7-3.

"We knew that Demetrius' opponent from Brandon would come after him hard because he beat that kid at the Cougar Invitational," Patrick said. "I just told him that I wanted him to be the one to set the pace, and he did that pretty well."

For Richards, who broke his arm at the Cougar Invitational in December, the County Championship was his first meet back in action. His match with Brandon's John Summitt in the 220-pound weight class was an intense 6-2 victory.

"It's always good to beat Brandon," Richards said. "It was my first match back, so coach wanted me on my feet just to get rid of some of the rust. I was able to take him down four times, so it felt good."