Mathews High School senior James Pavik captured the Group A wrestling title for his weight class at last weekend’s state championships at the Salem Civic Center.

Pavik went 4-0 at 220 lbs., pinning all four of his opponents to take home the state title. Two other MHS wrestlers—Caleb Miller (113 lbs.) and Billy Bower (160 lbs.)—placed seventh and eighth, respectively.

Pavik, who placed fifth in last year’s state tournament at 189 lbs., pinned Hunter Addison of Rural Retreat in the first round and Dylan Cottrell of Lee High School in the quarterfinals on Friday. Returning Saturday morning, he defeated Region C champion Ian Batterson of James River.

In the semifinals, Pavik was losing, 4-2, in the third period when Batterson put him in a cradle pinning combination, trying to put the Blue Devil wrestler on his back. Instead, Pavik scored a quick reversal and pinned Batterson.

In the finals, Pavik faced Region D champion Jake McCowan from Grundy. After a sc...