Wrestling: Bentonville's Grigsby Finishes Strong

WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

Aaron Grigsby, Bentonville

Aaron Grigsby admitted he felt pressure as he waited for the final match of his high school career.

The Bentonville senior still took care of business to win his third consecutive Class 6A-7A state title. He was honored as the All-NWADG Wrestler of the Year for his efforts.

"I was more relieved I think," Grigsby said. "Yeah, there was a lot of pressure to finish strong."

Grigsby made it look easy on the mat, becoming one of the most decorated wrestlers in Arkansas history. He finished 48-3 this season, going undefeated against in-state opponents, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.

He finished his high school career as the winningest wrestler in Arkansas history going 182-18. That also included 150 wins by fall.

Only two of Grigsby's 48 wins this season went all three periods and one of those was that 132-pound state final.

He won his semifinal match by fall in a little more than a minute, then was forced to wait more than six hours to finish off his high school career.

"You're trying to push those nerves to the side," Grigsby said. "It's another match. You have go out there and do what you've got to do. You have to have the mentality that this is your time."

After having time to reflect on his high school career, Grigsby was pleased. But he will now move on to the next step to wrestle at Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge.

"I've got to say I capped off a really successful high school career," Grigsby said. "Now all I can do is put a cap on it and open a new bottle."

-- Paul Boyd • @NWAPaulB

Sports on 03/26/2015

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