How two slices of pizza decided a high school sporting event
This might be the only time a high school kid has ever regretted eating pizza.
A nearly unbeatable defending Virginia state champion prep wrestler lost for only the fifth time in his last 95 matches because he began wolfing down a celebratory spread before realizing he still had one match remaining at this weekend's Viking Duals.
“I was two pieces of pizza deep, a sandwich, and a bowl of white chicken chili,” Ashburn (Va.) Briar Woods senior wrestler Michael Hulcher said, recounting his indigestion-related defeat to The Washington Post. "Coach (Ryan Rogers) comes over and says, ‘You have one more match, it’s the kid from West Virginia, and he’s a stud.'"
After winning his first three 132-pound division matches this past Saturday, including the 100th pin of his decorated career, Hulcher reportedly lost his post-pizza decision to Charles Town (W.Va.) Washington High senior Tyler Sigler, a formidable opponent who finished third in the 120-pound division at the West Virginia state meet last season.
"On any other day," added Hulcher, "I think it’s a different match."
The loss marked just his third loss in 43 matches this season, earning the Virginia Military Institute-bound grappler the nickname "Incredible Hulcher" from his local paper. He finished 50-2 at 126 pounds last season, culminating in a Class AA state title. Entering his conference tournament, he's already the winningest wrestler in Loudoun County history.
Pro tip for February's state championships: Hold the pepperoni ... until after the meet.
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