Richards goes 4-2 at High School Senior Nationals

Story has been updated.

VIRGINIA BEACH — Eli Richards is among the best wrestlers in the country, recently competing in the High School Senior Nationals.

Richards, who wrestles in the 170-pound division, was one match away from placing in the top eight and earning All-American honors. The Bonners Ferry High School senior ended up in the top 12 after losing in a 5-1 decision against Anthony Pyron of Tennessee. Richards finished 4-2 in the tournament.

In the first round of a solid 64-man bracket, Richards came out on top and pinned (3:11) Zalan Wilson of Louisiana. In the second round, Richards won again with a pinned (4:55) against Jonah Gruenes of Minnesota. Richards then faced fourth seed Roberto Padilla of New Jersey and lost by pin at the end of the third period. Richards then beat Isaac Garcia of Nevada with a 7-5 decision.

Advancing on the consolation side of the bracket, Richards’ next match came against Kyle Lee, a two-time state champion from Connecticut. Richards made short change of his opponent, winning by pin (:38).

This advanced Richards into the blood round, meaning one match away from placing in the top 8 and earning All-American honors. However, with the loss, he finished in the top 12.

Richards came up against Anthony Pyron of Tennessee and lost by decision 5-1 in a hard-fought match.

"I'm bummed about not placing in the top 8,” Richards posted on social media following the tournament. “I feel that I could have done better, but not being able to practice in our wrestling room the last few weeks affected my performance. However, at the same time, I feel good for how far I made it considering everything.”

Richards thanked his dad and the Bonners Ferry Vet Clinic for their support, and Justin Pluid for practicing with him and coaching at the event. He also thanked Sam Brown of Apex for letting him practice at his gym whenthe high school wrestling room was unavailable.