At this time of year, when regional championships are on the line, you see a little bit of everything. Perennial powers often treat the moment as just another step in a larger journey, as the regional final for them has evolved from the ultimate destination into another date on the schedule.
Then there are the Cinderella teams — programs overlooked throughout the season that begin clicking at the right time, delivering David-over-Goliath victories that linger for years.
Crofton wrestling does not neatly fit either mold.
Just 5 years old, the program has not been around long enough to be considered a perennial power. But the Cardinals are far from an underdog, boasting a lineup filled with proven talent for years. Whatever label applies, one description fit perfectly Thursday night: champions.
Crofton defeated Dulaney, 38-33, to capture the Class 4A North regional title, the first in program history.
After a 45-33 semifinal win over Perry Hall, Crofton turned its attention to the host Lions. With the dual beginning at 132 pounds, the Cardinals seized momentum early, winning four of the first five matches. Each victory ended with a wrestler rising to his feet and roaring toward the crowd.
“We knew they had scrappy wrestlers early on,” Crofton coach Jason West said. “We knew if we could weather the storm and get offensive good things would happen.”
After the teams split the first two bouts, 144-pounder Carter Rermgosakul stepped onto the mat and delivered what has become routine in his career. Rermgosakul pinned Elliott Sacks to secure his 100th career victory. While he admitted he was surprised by the banner presented afterward, his dominance was anything but surprising.
“I’m good with my hand-fighting and good at neutral,” Rermgosakul said. “I like being able to set up my shots.”
Rermgosakul and 175-pound LaDarian Roulhac each earned quick pins, Roulhac needing just 40 seconds for his win, but other matches required more grit. In typical Crofton fashion, the Cardinals found the extra push when it mattered most.
At 215 pounds, Elijah Jones scored an escape and a takedown in the final period to secure a 7-3 decision. In the next bout, 285-pound Bryce McGee erupted for 11 third-period points to rally for a 16-5 major decision.
“I always tell them, if you can control your six minutes, you’ll get the win.” West said. “I feel like the entire team controlled thier six minutes tonight.”
Perhaps the clearest example of the culture West has built came in the night’s final contested match. Crofton sent 106-pound Ruby Russell to the mat knowing she did not need a win, simply avoiding a pin would clinch the championship.
Russell wrestled to win.
“Ruby will never lie down,” West said. “She’s always going to scrap, she’s always going to put her team on her back when she needs to and she closed the deal for us and made sure we got out with the regional championship.”
She secured an early takedown and kept the pressure on, cruising to a 15-9 decision. The victory marked Crofton’s seventh win in 10 contested matches, allowing the Cardinals to forfeit the final three bouts and begin preparing for North Point.
For Dulaney, the result stung, but the Lions delivered strong performances of their own.
“We had some freshman and sophomores in the lineup that came up big for us,” Dulaney coach Scott Asher said. “We had 13 wins in a row after some tough early losses but we’ve grown and been able to have a great year.”
At 126 pounds, Stephen Delgado Cruz rolled to a 16-0 technical fall. Ahmed Alqaraghuli added a pin, continuing his strong postseason run. Despite the loss, the Lions now shift their focus to the county and state individual tournaments where several contenders are looking to payoff.
But the night belonged to the Cardinals. As his wrestlers passed the regional plaque around and posed for pictures, West did not rush them toward the bus. He let them linger, hug family members, take photos and absorb the moment.
“I was on varsity girls last year, and this is my first year on the co-ed team and I love it,” Russell said. “I’m getting so close to the team and I’m so excited to move forward to states.”
Five years ago, the program did not exist. On Thursday night, it stood alone atop the region.”We’ve been working hard at this for five years,” West said. “Every kid that’s joined our program has developed and worked hard and you can’t ask for more than that. I’m so proud of that.”
Have a news tip? Contact Timothy Dashiell at [email protected], and x.com/dashielltimothy.