Out on Top

Chris Townsend's prep wrestling career had a storybook ending. It was one of those conclusions kids often dream of, but rarely get to live.

Entering the 135-pound state championship match in the 4-A classification, South Caldwell's Townsend was a win shy of not only the gold, but the 150-victory plateau for his career. And the only obstacle in his way was an opponent that had handed him his lone two defeats of the season.

Consider the obstacle cleared.

Townsend won that match by a 7-5 score over Watauga's Jacob Earp and tasted sweet victory on the floor of Winston-Salem's Joel Coliseum. In one moment, his goals were met, he stepped to the top of the mountain in the sport and his career went in the books, his name permanently etched as South Caldwell's first individual state champion.

“It felt great,” Townsend says. “It felt like I went out on a right note and how I wanted to. It made it great knowing I won a state championship and getting to 150 career wins.”

For his efforts, Townsend is this year's Caldwell County Wrestler of the Year. The award is sponsored by Kelley's Sports & Awards of Lenoir and is presented by the News-Topic.

Townsend knew he had his hands full entering the state title match. Earp had defeated him 3-2 and 13-6 previously, the latter coming just a week before to win the West Regional. In the first match, Townsend had used an under hooks strategy that Earp was able to fend off. In regionals, Townsend went on the defensive and was also unable to get the win. Before the match at states, Townsend and South coach Billy Miller talked strategy. They decided that the one thing Townsend had not done against Earp was shoot constantly. So that was the plan.

“All my nerves went away and I just went after him more aggressively,” Townsend says.

The match was close, tied 2-2 after the first period and Townsend trailed 5-3 after the second. It wasn't until 12 seconds remained with the score then tied 5-5, that Townsend was able to get the points he needed for the win. He hit Earp with an inside trip to earn the winning takedown points. All Townsend had to do then was hold Earp down until time expired. He did.

“It was beautiful,” Miller says. “It may have been the best shot I've ever seen a kid make.”

Just like that, Townsend was immortalized in Spartan history. He was awarded a state championship medal, was named the 4-A's Most Outstanding Wrestler and South purchased a state championship banner to hang in the gym.

He finished the season with a 45-2 record, his final career tally standing at 150-35.

In his last two seasons - he won the regional crown as a junior at 130 pounds - Townsend posted a 99-7 record.

His high school career now concluded, Townsend plans to attend East Carolina University to major in Accounting. Currently, he aims to take a break from wrestling. He's put so much time and energy into the sport the last few years that he feels he needs to walk away and recharge.

At least for a while.

“I love the sport and one day, I want to come give back as a coach,” Townsend says.

What a story of persistence, endurance and ultimate success he'll have to tell.

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