Zaderian Toney Named All-American Wrestler

Virginia Beach, VA.- Bob Jones junior Zaderian Toney finished in sixth place among juniors from across the country to earn the honor of All-American becoming just the third wrestler to achieve the elite status in school history. Toney wrestled in the 106-pound class at the National High School Coaches Association Wrestling Nationals held in Virginia Beach, VA.

“I’ve wanted this for a long time and I worked hard by staying after school every day to exercise, lift weights and practice on the wrestling mat with my brother,” said Toney, whose twin brother, Zaevian, was among the five athletes from Bob Jones who attended the national event held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

To earn the All-American award, Toney defeated two state champions within the first three matches, which include victories of 15-0, 3-2 and 11-3. The wins advanced him to the finals where the competition became more intense. Toney finished 3-3 in the event.

Toney joins former Patriots wrestlers Zach Clark and Anthony Bruno to earn the national honor.

The Toney brothers were joined at the event by fellow Bob Jones wrestlers Jordan Whalen, George Francovitch and Seth Dupree. According to state rules, a school coach could not attend the event with the athletes so volunteer coaches and the athletes themselves took to coaching duties throughout the three-day event.

In the just completed regular season, the Patriots won the Duals State Championship while finishing fifth at the State Wrestling Tournament. Toney finished fourth in the state meet after posting a 37-8 season record including 10 tech falls, which were the second most in Alabama, as both he and his brother rose in weight class throughout the 2017-2018 campaign. Toney is a three-time state meet qualifier.

“At the nationals I learned to leave it all on the mat at each match,” said Toney. “As far as the tournament, I wish I could experience more of these to make me a better wrestler.”

Toney looks forward to his senior season with sights glued on possibly earning a scholarship to college to continue his wrestling prowess. He has had offers from Allen University of South Carolina, Northern Idaho and Western Wyoming. He wants to earn a degree in architecture and business as he and Zaevian would like to someday open a business together.

Toney said his final match at the nationals almost did not occur. The finals began an hour earlier than they thought and he narrowly made the start time. “I ran from the car to the mat just in time,” added Toney. “The entire experience for the weekend was awesome.”