Takedown Report

Walker Bell named 32nd Michael Stokes Award winner

State finalist Walker Bell of West Craven High School has been named the 2023 Michael Stokes Award winner.  As a four year starter Bell compiled a career record of (135-25) which is the 4th wins most in school history.  He was a 4-x conference champion, 2-x conference wrestler of the year 4-x time regional placer and 3-x regional champ.  Bell was a 4-x state qualifier and placed twice,  5^th in 2022 and 2nd in 2023.  He was selected to wrestle in the inaugural N.C. East vs West All- Star Dual at Uwharrie Charter. His teammates voted him captain three consecutive years. He maintained a 3.67 GPA and is a NCWA Scholar All- American and the NCWA Character and Leadership All American recipient. Coach Jeremiah Hohlfelder shared “Walker has led by example with his outstanding grades and work ethic and has helped lay the foundation for the program at West Craven” 

Bell plans to wrestle in college and has narrowed his choices to Ferrum or Montreat. “Walker has been an absolute joy to coach the last 4 years. to see how he has grown as a person and athlete has been wonderful to watch. His hard work in the classroom and on the wrestling mat paid off with offers to wrestle in college … and get one step closer to achieving his ultimate goal of earning a college degree. Whether he goes to Ferrum or Montreat they will get an outstanding Student athlete.” Hohlfelder stated.  Walker also earned his 2nd TDR Top 12 engraved wooden plaque this year as the top wrestler in his weight in eastern North Carolina.  More details of the time and place for the award presentation will be announced later.

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 Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) of Wilson Fike. Ray Darden of Ayden-Grifton and Jordan Todd of Rosewood tied for the award in (2019), Sincere 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), Aaron Bancroft (2020) and Jayleen Bullock (2021) 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.

April 21, 2023 Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized | Leave a comment