American Leadership Academy Qualifies Six For State Wrestling Championships
GREENSBORO, N.C. — In just their second season competing in the NCHSAA, the American Leadership Academy Patriots wrestling program has firmly established itself as one of the fastest-rising teams in the region.
Under fourth-year head coach Chase Crocker, the Patriots qualified six wrestlers for the NCHSAA State Wrestling Championships at the Greensboro Coliseum — a remarkable achievement for a young program still building its tradition.
Senior Zach Loveless led the way at 138 pounds, finishing the season 42-11. Loveless claimed a Regional Championship and placed fourth at the state tournament, planting the ALA flag on the podium and setting a new standard for future Patriots to chase.
Also representing ALA at the state tournament were Santiago Piver (106 pounds, 47-6), Tristan Saykosy (175 pounds, 29-20), Caleb Power (190 pounds, 31-6), Ben Pritchard (215 pounds, 26-9), and Judah Shoaf (285 pounds, 22-11). Power, Pritchard, and Shoaf each advanced to the consolation semifinals, scoring hard-fought wins and proving that the Patriots belong among North Carolina’s elite.
The state tournament capped a historic year for the program. The Patriots captured a conference championship, produced five individual conference champions, and celebrated a regional champion along with Loveless’ fourth-place state finish.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to coach this team,” Crocker said. “Led by an amazing class of seniors who set the bar way higher than I could have ever imagined. Conference champs, five individual conference champs, a team regional champ, and a fourth-place finisher was not what I dreamed would happen — but I am sure glad it did. We are getting it done here at ALA, and we aren’t done yet.”
In only two years competing in the NCHSAA, the Patriots have proven that their foundation is strong and their ceiling is high. The culture is built. The belief is real. And if this season proved anything, it’s this: ALA wrestling has arrived — and they’re just getting started.
American Leadership Academy, at 3770 U.S. 70 Business, Clayton, is a K-12 charter school committed to academic excellence and competitive athletics, giving students opportunities to excel both in the classroom and on the mat.
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It’s good to see something positive from this school. I’ve seen the un enrollment numbers and it is not good. If your child has a 504 or an IEP……. This is likely not a good school choice. That being said, it’s good to see something good from ALA in the 3 years they have been open! You think charter school and you think better education…….. absolutely not the case with ALA! Money making, kids in seats. Sad really. Those of you that have kids in this school that like it….. genuinely pleased for you but those of you that have not had a positive experience…… public schools are looking like the better choice now?! Please don’t come at me with your “it’s the best school” I’m not into back and forth. It’s my opinion on my experience with children that once attended this school. I’m glad they have something positive, it’s taken time and alot of learning but hopefully it will get better.
Go Patriots…. Speaking from the inside, it is a great school, with an amazing staff, and some pretty awesome students. My kids go there and they have had NOTHING but a wonderful experience.
So nice to finally see ALA publish student’s achievements. Congratulations to the wrestling team! I’m sure you’ve worked diligently to accomplish this feat! Many other students at ALA work so hard to accomplish great things but are not put in the news. Maybe it depends on who you are, but I would love to see more student recognition published. Not just sports team.