By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

The Spain Park High School wrestling team has a new prized possession.

The Jaguars took away the sentimental bowling ball from the Buccaneers for the first time following a 42-25 win over rival Hoover in the annual “Battle for the Ball” wrestling match Jan. 17.

Spain Park took home the prestigious bowling ball, which is inspired by longtime Berry High School wrestling coach Duke Chimento. Bowling is a passion for Chimento, who was on hand to greet the team captains and participate in the coin toss before the match.

Nine Jaguars earned wins in individual matches against rival Hoover to help Spain Park pick up its first ever wrestling victory over its rival.

Elijah Krukowski of Spain Park pinned Marcel Martin of Hoover in 3:07 in the 106-pound match. Tommy Bostany of Spain Park earned a 7-0 decision over Ty Graham of Hoover in the 120-pound match.

Connor Whatley of Spain Park pinned E.J. Elliott of Hoover in 5:22 in the 132-pound match. Leon Strong of Spain park earned a 13-7 decision over C.J. Morrison of Hoover in the 138-pound match.

Dillon Osborne of Spain Park earned a 10-3 decision over Mahmoud Seder of Hoover in the 152-pound match. Kevin McClure of Spain Park earned a 11-7 decision over Luke Umphrey in the 160-pound match.

Kameron Ricks of Spain Park won his 195-pound match by forfeit. Mo Mills won his  220-pound match by forfeit. Zachary Williams won his heavyweight match by forfeit.

Five Hoover wrestlers picked up individual victories against their Spain Park foes.

Nick Dyer of Hoover pinned Jackson Cotney of Spain Park in 18 seconds in the 113-pound match. Preston Smith of Hoover earned a 18-4 major decision over Andres Galindo of Spain Park in the 126-pound match.

Jackson Poe of Hoover pinned Marcus Jackson of Spain Park in 3:20 in the 145-pound match. Jacob Thomas of Hoover earned a 2-1 decision over Blake Daniel of Spain Park in the 170-pound match.

Alec Shunnarah of Hoover pinned Alex Potts of Spain Park in 28 seconds in the 182-pound match.