After an outstanding 2025-26 season, Ocean Lakes wrestling continued to impress in a Virginia 5A State Championship thriller. Ocean Lakes finished with 92.5 total team points, landing themselves in fifth place. They beat out teams such as Glen Allen (87), William Fleming (83.5) and Massaponax (76.5).
Additionally, Ocean Lakes had individual success, with freshman Matthew DeAngelo winning the 120 lb. title by a score of 14-4.
Junior Skiles Burkhead competed in the 113 lb. title game but ultimately was defeated by Vince von Bernewitz (Great Bridge), earning second place.
Other athletes Noah Xiong (144 lb.) , Wyatt Early (165 lb.) and Michael Trusty (285 lb.) all placed fifth in their respectable weight classes.
“Our team’s mindset going to states was to just trust in what we’ve been taught all year and trust on the work we put in to get here,” freshman Hayden McAndrews said. “The team was best in supporting everybody and creating a big family.”
The coaches stressed the importance of having a great mindset leading into the state tournament as well.
“Our athletes prepared themselves perfectly both mentally and physically,” Assistant coach Michael Mosley said. “They are also amazing citizens on and off the mat.”
A common misconception is that athletes only need to grow physically to perform better in their sports but in reality, growing mentally can lead to important sportsmanship and professionalism.
Ocean Lakes has continued to show the value of that concept.
“We are extremely proud of our wrestling team for competing with heart and determination throughout the past weekend. Together, the team earned a 5th-place team finish, celebrating five individual place winners, and crowning a State Champion in Matthew DeAngelo,” said Principal Dr. Leslie Ittner.
