LaPrade qualifies for nat’l tourney

Brian LaPrade, a junior at New Kent High School, won both the Greco and Freestyle wrestling state championships at Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond on May 20.

LaPrade is the only athlete to win any championship for five consecutive years, starting his career in sixth grade. The victory is the junior’s third Virginia title this year. LaPade also won the 13- pound division at VHSL’s Group 3A state wrestling championships this past winter.

With the win, LaPrade moves onto the national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota, where he will participate against other premiere athletes, as well as in front of collegiate scouts.