Observer Online | Gassman Leads HHS to 2nd

Edition of February 18, 2005

Gassman Leads HHS to 2nd

Girl, 4 Boys Win District Titles

By Anthony Paradise

Observer Staff Writer

Herndon High School freshman Firen Gassman became the first female wrestler to win a district title in the Group AAA Northern Region as the Hornets finished second in the Concorde District championship.

Gassman claimed the 103-pound division title at the district championships, Feb. 11 and 12 at Oakton High School. Hornet wrestlers Ben Haynes (152), David Russell (215) and Trey Small (275) also won their divisions.

Also for the Hornets, Alex Garten (112) was fourth, Joey Russell (119) third, Kelby Gassman (130) third, Andy Sova (135) fourth, Tommy Downin (145) second, Chad Metzger (160) third, Zay Lopez (171) second and P.J. Mosher (189) third. The top four in each division advance to the region, Feb. 17-19 at Hayfield High School.

Westfield won the team title, with Chantilly third, Centreville fourth, Oakton fifth and Thomas Jefferson sixth.

Gassman, with an overall record of 39-7, said she wants her championship to make a statement for other female wrestlers. Plus, she said she's proud she and her teammates are moving on to the region tournament,.

“We really wanted to win," Gassman said. “Coach calculated the points. But 12 are going to regionals and that's a good number. Plus, me winning districts shows other females it can be done."

Coach Tyler Andersen said he thought his team could have won the tournament, but said moving forward is the most important thing. “A little disappointed," he said. “We didn't perform up to our capabilities, which is more disappointing than not getting first.

“The silver lining is we did what we needed to do to move on," Anderson added. “The kids move on to regionals and they get another chance to peak and move on."

Haynes, 33-1 for the season, said winning the district boosts his confidence. “I was pretty happy about it," he said. “It gave me some confidence for regionals."

Small's 46-1 mark is a school record for most wins in a season. With his second straight district title, he's looking forward to the region. “It was exciting, don't get me wrong," Small said. “But I'm excited about possibly winning regions and states."