The Dark Horse wrestlers added another surprise to their wrestling plate this year, said head coach Frank Quinata earlier this week.

“Qualifying for the State Duals was a remarkable feat by itself, but add the number of wrestlers that qualified to the eastern Regionals and it becomes fantastic,” Quinata shared, adding the number to be 14.

“This is a complete wrestling team that just qualified for regionals. Our goal was to try and get at least eight, maybe nine to qualify.”

One wrestler, Quinata revealed, was the 16th qualifier, and they were thinking someone was going to push him off; it never happened. With this many regional qualifiers, the Dark Horses now have a very good chance of advancing at least one wrestler to the state individuals in Greensboro on Feb. 26-27.

“Because of conflicting events, one of our most prolific wrestlers, Ted Rives, will be unable to join us at this year’s Regionals. Ted has a Park Scholarship event he must attend and we wish him luck,” shared Quinata.

Qualifying for the Eastern Regionals are: Zach Railey (103), Ted Rives (112), Brittney McCulloch (119), Pablo Meza (125), Carlos Polanco (130), Aaron Young (135), Quindale Faulkner (140), Darren Thomas (145), Michael Graham (152), Chris Peterson (160), Chris Guiterrez (171), Alonso Acosta (189), Greg Daughtry (215), Dean Thompson (285).

Wrestling begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, and finishes off the quarterfinals that evening. Completion of the event will take place the next day. Top Four wrestlers in each weight class will then advance to the state tournament.

“Let’s all wish our Dark Horse the very best and good luck,” finished Quinata.