Takedown Report

Darden presented Michael Stokes Award as a top senior wrestler in eastern North Carolina

The TakeDown Report presented the 27^th Michael Stokes Award to State Champion Darden of Ayden-Grifton High School, as a Top Senior Wrestler in the Tar-Roanoke area in Eastern North Carolina in 2019.  Darden finished the year with 33 wins and 1 loss. That loss came against neighboring South Central when Ray moved up a weight class to test himself.  Darden was also named the Most Outstanding Wrestler in the Eastern Carolina  Conference and was Pitt County Champion.  During the season Darden earned 1st Place in all of his regular season tournaments.  He was the 2A East Regional Champion and that qualified him for the NCHSAA 2A State Championships in Greensboro.  He won the 195 pounds title. After High School is going to attend Saint Andrew’s University and will participate on the wrestling team. Darden also received a personalized wooden plaque engraved with his name and the TDR logo as the top wrestler at his weight class in eastern North Carolina. 

Michael Stokes wrestled the 1981-1984 seasons at Tarboro High School and with a (96–4) career record.  He was North Carolina’s 2nd 3-time State Champion when there was only one individual champion at a weight in the state. He wrestled for N.C. State and won ACC wrestling titles in 1988 and 1989 and was named the ACC Most Valuable Wrestler both years.  His record of 68 wins 8 losses and 3 ties (.879) is the best career winning percentage at NC State.  He finished second at the NCAA Nationals at 126 lbs. in 1989 to Kendall Cross, the eventual Olympic Gold medalist. Stokes co-captained the Wolfpack in 1989 and one of the ACC’s all time 50 greatest wrestlers as recognized during the conference’s 50th anniversary celebration.  Stokes credits wrestling as “providing me with a mental toughness that enables me to remove boundaries that stand in my way.  Wrestling has given me the sheer determination to believe that I can conquer anything that I set my mind to do.”   Previous Stokes Award wrestlers include Michael King of North Pitt (2018), Quadarrius Hopkins of Tarboro (2017), Wilson Smith of Rocky Mount (2016), Angel Najar of North Pitt (2015), Reggie Huff of Southern Nash (2014), David Guevara of Tarboro (2013), Alexander Knight and Jaciento Williamson of Rocky Mount (2012), Xavier Najar of North Pitt (2011), Joe Young of Northern Nash (2010), Corey Smith of Tarboro (2009), Jasmine Cooper of Nash Central (2008), Eric Wischhusen, (2007), Roylando Lucas (2001) and Ira Bing (2000) of Southern Nash, John Brewer (2006) of Wilson Fike, Anthony Taylor (2005) of Rocky Mount, Sammi Hadi (2004) and Ryan Huffman (1997) of SouthWest Edgecombe, Charles Washington (2003) of Northern Nash, Quadric Eason (2002), Mike Christopher (1999 & 1998), Tony Mercer (1996) and Lee Carroll (1994 & 1995) of Tarboro.  The TDR promotes amateur wrestling in eastern North Carolina and sponsors this award.  “The awards are to recognize great wrestlers from before and the current ones for their efforts,” Editor Martin Fleming noted.  The TakeDown Report has promoted scholastic wrestling for over 20 years in North Carolina and encourages coverage of the sport.  Contact the TDR at martinkfleming@gmail.com or https://takedownreport.wordpress.com/ or ‘The TakeDown Report’ on FaceBook.

June 2, 2019 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized