Just one short year ago, former Avery High wrestling standout John Hensley was dominant during a stellar senior season, completing an outstanding prep career as a three-time state qualifier with a runner-up finish at the 2008 NCHSAA North Carolina State Wrestling Championships.Hensley was fortunate enough to continue his career at the college level, wrestling as a true freshman for NCAA Division II Limestone College.
In his first start this season at the 133 pound weight class, Hensley competed in three dual meets during the 2009 Domino’s Pizza East Coast Duals Tournament at St. Andrews Presbyterian College over the weekend.
Hensley wrestled Matt Scherich from University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown on Friday and lost a narrow 6-5 decision. On Saturday Hensley returned to the mat where he faced Kutztown University wrestler Joe Kemmerer. Kennerer is the top-ranked wrestler nationally in NCAA Divison II in the weight class, yet Hensley refused to give up a pinfall, losing by technical fall 20-2 to the Kutztown standout.
Hensley’s third match of the weekend was the charm as he faced off against Shippensburg University’s Andrew Jones. Hensley put together a dominant performance as he pinned Jones in the second period, winning by fall at the 4:26 mark of the match. The victory helped the Saints upset the No. 16 nationally-ranked and No. 4 regionally-ranked Shippensburg squad.
