SCMAT Exclusive Wrestling Article 3-6-22

David Hunsberger (Byrnes) - 4x State Champion

David Hunsberger of Byrnes became a 4x SC 5A State Champion on February 26, 2022.

Here are some of the accomplishments David had as he wrapped up his Senior season:

Recognized by the SCWCA as the 2022 S.C. Senior Wrestler of the Year.

First SC wrestler to become a 4X MOW at each State Tournament of his career.

First SC wrestler, wrestling all 4 years in SC, to win every in-state match as a SC 4 timer.

The second 5A wrestler to become a 4x 5A State Champion, with his former Byrnes teammate Chris Compton being the first last year (Hunsberger would have a signifiant win in the 2020 State Finals to ensure Compton would be the first).

SIDEBAR - Remember Cornell's Kyle Dake becoming the first wrestler in NCAA history to win four national titles at four weights? Dake won titles at 141, 149, 157 and 165 pounds. "Each weight class was a different obstacle, different challenges, and I just had to adapt," Dake said.

The first SC wrestler to accomplish that feat during his high school career was James McKinney of Buford H.S. (1981 126 1st, 1980 119 1st, 1979 105 1st, 1978 98 1st - 2A-1A).

Hunsberger, for a brief 36 minutes, would hold the SC record amongst 4x State Champions as spanning the most weight classes and weight differential between his Freshman State Title and his Senior State Title.

Hunsberger spanned 9 weight classes and a 54 pound weight differential across his 4 State Titles (106, 132, 152, 160).

That is dedicated time in the weight room!

Tied with Hunsberger, as far as spanning weight classes, Corbin Martin (Eastside) spanned 9 weight classes and a 48 pound weight differential for his 4 State Titles from 2005-2008 (112, 125, 140, 160).

And tied as far as weight differential, J.C. Oddo (Eastside) spanned 6 weight classes and a 54 pound weight differential for his 4 State Titles from 2004-2007 (135, 171, 189, 189).

David Hunsberger (Byrnes) - 2022 State Finals

David Hunsberger (Byrnes) - 2022 State Finals

David Hunsberger (Byrnes) - 2022 State Finals

David Hunsberger (Byrnes) - 2022 State Finals

Here are the results from the four State Tournaments for Hunsberger:

2022 5A State Tournament - 160 lbs.
David Hunsberger placed 1st and scored 24.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by fall over Brandon Jacoby (Carolina Forest) (Fall 1:35)
Semifinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by fall over Pierce Carpenter (Wando) (Fall 1:11)
1st Place Match - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by fall over Austin Collins (Conway) (Fall 2:16)

2021 5A State Tournament - 152 lbs.
David Hunsberger placed 1st and scored 21.5 team points.
Quarterfinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) received a bye (Bye)
Semifinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by fall over Isaiah Pope (Carolina Forest) (Fall 2:58)
1st Place Match - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by tech fall over Steven Johnson (Nation Ford) (TF-1.5 4:33 (22-7))

2020 5A State Tournament - 132 lbs.
David Hunsberger placed 1st and scored 21.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by tech fall over John Zahm (River Bluff) (TF-1.5 3:02 (16-0))
Semifinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by tech fall over Dylan O`Keefe (Hillcrest) (TF-1.5 4:48 (17-2))
1st Place Match - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by decision over Bailey Wilkins (Rock Hill) (Dec 5-2)

2019 5A State Tournament - 106 lbs.
David Hunsberger placed 1st and scored 23.5 team points.
Quarterfinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by fall over Raleigh D`Antico (Cane Bay) (Fall 1:08)
Semifinal - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by tech fall over Lance Elrod (Stratford) (TF-1.5 4:23 (15-0))
1st Place Match - David Hunsberger (Byrnes) won by fall over Rico Robinson (Summerville) (Fall 1:40)

I remember reading an inspiring book about 15 years ago, "Made to Be Broken: The 50 Greatest Records and Streaks in Sports".

Here we are are, after 54 years of SC Wrestling State Tournaments, and we have new records being set.

Congratulations to David Hunsberger on becoming the 24th South Carolina wrestler to be a 4x State Champion ... and setting so many records along the way!

thanks,

Mark Buford

SCMAT