By Carl Holcomb
Moorefield Examiner
Darkness descended on the Hive and all of a sudden a bright spotlight appeared above the mat as Moorefield Wrestling illuminated the seniors including Riley Pillus who garnered his 150th career win during the Yellow Jackets’ 46-30 victory over Jefferson on Friday.
Moorefield Wrestling recognized the seniors with a special ceremony: Dylan Colasessano, Jean Gonzalez, Aiden Jones, Riley Pillus, LaTanya Redman and E.J. Wyman.
Moorefield senior Riley Pillus recorded a first period pin at 0:27 against Jefferson’s Anthony Coreas to collect his 150th career win.
Pillus is currently tied with Will Schoonover for the second most wins in program history, behind leader Isaac Van Meter who had 183 career victories.
“To be a part of the wrestling team is a special thing, to have a separate family as a sports team coming in everyday putting in the hard work together and put in what you earn. It is emotional tonight and I might not show a lot of emotion, but I was really excited to be honored here. 150 wins is absolutely special to me. I am tied for second in school history with Will Schoonover for most career wins, so it means a lot to me. It is very special to do this for the school and for myself,” Moorefield senior Riley Pillus commented.
Fellow seniors joining Pillus with wins against Jefferson were: LaTanya Redman, Jean Gonzalez, Dylan Colasessano and E.J. Wyman.
Moorefield senior LaTanya Redman collected a forfeit win against the Cougars in the 113-lb. class.
Moorefield senior Jean Gonzalez earned an 11-2 major decision win over Jefferson’s Aiden Robey in the 126-lb. class.
Moorefield senior Dylan Colasessano (157) collected a second period pin against Jefferson’s Ridley Kesecker.
Moorefield senior E.J. Wyman (190) garnered a first period pin at 0:29 over the Cougars’ Robert Webb.
Moorefield’s LeeAnn Coon (106) earned a second period pin victory against Jefferson’s Evan Sarna.
Moorefield’s Javier Acosta (120) grabbed a first period win at 1:21 over Jefferson’s Blaze Guinn.
Jefferson’s Bradley Gardner won by decision against Moorefield’s Jhon Paul in the 132-lb. class.
Jefferson’s Bradley May (138) won by major decision over Moorefield’s Axel Rodriguez.
Moorefield’s Wyatt Shirk (165) garnered a first period win over Jefferson’s Jacob Winkler.
Jefferson’s Jonas Wiser (215) gathered a technical fall victory over Moorefield’s Daltan Ault.
Jefferson’s Silas Speet (285) defeated Moorefield senior Aiden Jones by first period pin.
Moorefield Wrestling seniors are: Dylan Colasessano, Jean Gonzalez, Aiden Jones, Riley Pillus, LaTanya Redman and E.J. Wyman.
Colasessano has been a state alternate, regional placer, McFly Outdoors placer and Braxton County Invitational placer during his career.
Colasessano plans to work for a year before going to college.
Colasessano’s favorite memory was watching Jhon [Paul] get leg dropped by Jonesy [Aiden Jones] and all the hotel stays at away matches.
“[MHS Wrestling] It means teamwork, leadership and helping everybody get through wrestling and everything. It was fun and special tonight with the spotlight. We only have one of those kind of matches once a year, so it is very special and fun when it happens,” Moorefield senior Dylan Colasessano remarked.
Gonzalez plans to attend McMurry University in Texas and study entrepreneurship.
Gonzalez’s favorite wrestling memory was getting his first match win by pin.
Jones was a state wrestling qualifier last year and has been a member of the band and football team.
Jones plans to join the military.
The favorite wrestling memory for Jones was winning his first match during his freshman year.
Pillus started his wrestling career placing fourth overall at regionals, improved to third place as a sophomore and was the regional champion last season as a junior and was a three-time state qualifier entering his final year.
Pillus was the Potomac Valley Conference champion this season and runner-up as a sophomore and junior.
Pillus plans to wrestle at Fairmont State University and earn a business degree.
Pillus noted his favorite memory was making it to state as a freshman.
Redman became the first girls wrestler in program history to win with a pin at the PVC Tournament and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Redman plans to attend West Liberty University with a major in dental hygiene.and compete in track and field.
Redman’s favorite wrestling memories were finally having a group of girls join the team, assisting them in jumping on Coach Rob during practice and earning a win at the Hardy Hammer this season.
“It is one of the greatest memories and best things to ever do in my life. I am really happy I chose this sport to do. I am really grateful for all my teammates. I am really happy to have a girls team for my last year and had a lot of fun with them. It will be sad to go,” Moorefield senior LaTanya Redman noted.
Wyman was a member of the Future Farmers of America and an All-PVC Football selection and maintained a 3.5+ GPA all four years of high school.
Wyman’s favorite wrestling memory was cutting weight before regionals.
Wyman plans to wrestle for Fairmont State University and study criminal justice.
“It is amazing here. The environment we have and the brotherhood. Wrestling as a family and everyone encouraging each other constantly is great. To be able to get a win in front of everybody in the home crowd is just amazing. It is a pretty big accomplishment to host our own matches and wrestle as a team week in and week out,” Moorefield senior E.J. Wyman stated.
The Yellow Jackets have two more home matches remaining on the schedule this week, weather permitting.
