Reinvigorated Knight enjoys new success
By TOM WORGO
High School Wrestling
Just two months ago, it appeared senior Razzaq Muhammad was in serious jeopardy of being dismissed from the Parkville wresting team.
The problem started during the Parkville Invitational Tournament, when Muhammad received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in his semifinal match against Pete Prosser of Loyola Blakefield.
Muhammad was ejected from the event as a result. He aggravated the situation by tossing his head gear into the crowd as he left the gym.
Things went downhill from there.
“I was suspended from school for a week and the team for 2 1/2 weeks, “Muhammad said.
By then, Parkville Coach Brian Wysocki was seriously wondering about the future of his star wrestler, who finished fifth in the state tournament last year.
“We didn’t know if he was going to be wrestling the rest of the year, “the coach said.
Yet Muhammad said his forced time away from school and the wrestling team humbled him.
“I went to church for the first time in 10 years, “Muhammad said.
Apparently, it was time well spent.
A reinvigorated Muhammad still seems to be reaping the benefits of his spiritual reawakening late in the season when he won the Baltimore County Wrestling Tournament in convincing fashion at 189 pounds, cruising to an 8 -0 decision over Jesse Headley (24-7) of Franklin in the championship.
Muhammad (21-1) pinned all three wrestlers he faced in the earlier rounds.
“He has changed a great deal, “said Wysocki, explaining Muhammad’s improved attitude. “It’s probably one of the greatest changes I have seen in a person.”
Muhammad, who is also a hard- charging running back on the Knights’ football team, is looking forward to a bright future in wrestling. He wants to compete in college, and the Citadel tops his list.
For now, Muhammad is extremely focused on making a run at a state championship.
“I set my goals really high, “Muhammad said. “I know I can take it all. “Parkville had two other wrestlers place in the county tournament, including Dylan Murray (5th, 152, 22-7) and Josh Jording (4th, 21-8, 275)
For Loch Raven, senior James Pumphrey (215, 30-4) was the only Raider to advance to the final.
There, Evan Pritchett of Sparrows Point pinned the Raider standout in 2:19.
Pumphrey pinned his first two opponents before scoring an 8-5 decision over Anthony Schabdach (27-7) of county team champion Hereford in the semifinals.
“He has been very consistent throughout the year, “Loch Raven coach Menegatti said of Pumphrey. “(He) is one of the best athletes at 215 in the county.”
Gary Dunn (4th, 171, 25-10) and Frank Goldsmith (6th, 125, 25-10) also recorded top finishes for Loch Raven.
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