VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Youngsville wrestler Collin Havers recently made the long trip down to Virginia Beach, Virginia, to compete in the 26th annual NHSCA National Duals for legendary coach Rob Waller and his All American Wrestling Club.

The NHSCA National Duals are widely considered one of the toughest national events for many club teams. It regularly attracts many top tier wrestlers from the elementary level up through the high school boys and girls level.

Havers initially wasn’t going to make the trip, however. He had been asked to join teammate Johnathan Sullivan on the 14U Pennsylvania National Team, but a scheduling conflict with baseball forced him to respectfully decline.

As a consolation of sorts, Havers accepted an invitation by Waller to compete for the All American Wrestling Club middle school team at the NHSCA National Duals. Based out of Latrobe, All American Wrestling Club boasts an impressive list of alumni including 24 high school state place winners, 13 high school state finalists, and 45 wrestlers who’ve competed at the collegiate level.

Havers had himself a long weekend as he competed in ten grueling matches across three days. His competition largely involved wrestling state place winners from Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina.

Havers held his own throughout the weekend as he sported a 4-6 record. Of his four wins, three came by decision and one by major decision. All four wins entailed knocking off former state place winners.

Havers’ efforts also helped All American Wrestling Club’s middle school team reach a top-16 finish out of 72 teams.

“This by far is the hardest tournament I have ever wrestled in.” said Havers, “Some of the best of what the country has to offer. I’m glad to have been given the opportunity by Coach Waller. There were a lot of positives, but there were negatives too. I have things to work on in the offseason, but at least I know what I need to work on now.”