In Matthew Fulcher’s first wrestling match, his opponent, a junior from Patrick County, fought to end the match by cradling Matthew, who was a freshman at the time and was currently losing, Matthew escaped the junior’s hold and pinned him on the ground to win the match. Matthew had finished his first high school match with a win. This momentum has continued through his junior year where he has logged an impressive 100 career high school wins so far and placed third in the state tournament this year.

In second grade, the competitiveness and physicality of wresting seduced Matthew, and he began wrestling for Southside Youth Wrestling. He now wrestles for Tunstall High School where he has been co-captain freshman season and captain both sophomore and junior years.  He is also a two time conference champion, placed regionals, and is ranked second in Virginia.

Matthew’s current wrestling season ended after securing second place at the 3A West Tournament which gave him a ticket to the state tournament that took place this past weekend in Salem where he finished third. Matthew had been training for state level competition since day one of the wrestling season. Matthew says that’s the morning of the state tournament he was nervous but confident and when he stepped on the mat he was ready.

Although he didn’t win that day, placing third at a state tournament as a junior is still a big accomplishment. Matthew says the biggest reason he placed third is by working hard and “never quitting even when giving up would’ve been a good idea.”

Many people helped Matthew to perform as well as he did, but he “wouldn’t have any where near the success I have had if it wasn’t for Coach Randy Hunsicker, he is an amazing coach… he made me understand how important each match is.”

Matthew has been very successful with 45 wins and only 5 losses. With the close of his junior year season, training will begin soon for his senior wrestling season.