Takedown Report

Jason Kennedy of Rosewood presented the 2024 Michael Stokes Award

Jason Kennedy named the 33^rd Michael Stokes Award winner

State champion Jason Kennedy of Rosewood High School was presented the 2024 Michael Stokes Award today.  As a four-year starter Kennedy compiled an outstanding career record of (184-12) and ranks 5th in most wins in school history.  He also scored 96 wins by pin, was a 4-x conference champion, and 3-x regional champ.  Kennedy qualified for the state tournament three times and placed twice, 2nd in 2021 and 1st in 2024.  Kennedy also earned his 3rd TDR Top 12 engraved wooden plaque this year as a top wrestler in his weight in eastern North Carolina.  

Jason maintained a 4.1 GPA to finish in the Top 10 in his class and has earned a Presidential scholarship to attend Campbell University.  He will major in computer science to seek a cyber-security career.  Jason plans to walk-on to wrestle at Campbell University this fall.  He has been involved in wrestling for five years and would like to eventually coach wrestling.  “Wrestling has made a huge difference in my life. It has made me a better person as I am more driven and dedicated due to the sport, yet humbled by the experiences in wrestling.” Jason shared as he reflected back.

Coach Joshua Gordon shared “We are proud to have Jason as a wrestler and graduate from Rosewood.  We look forward to seeing him wrestle nearby at Campbell and wish him the best.  The Stokes Award was earned by Jason as he conducted a strong senior season on the road to his state championship.”

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 Walker Bell of West Craven in 2023, Raheem Jones of North Pitt (2022), 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.

_{(left to right) Rosewood Coach Joshua Gordon, Jason Kennedy & TDR Editor Martin Fleming}

May 31, 2024 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized