Valley Grown: Former Knights standout enjoys strong start to college wrestling career

PALMER — A former Colony High School wrestling standout enjoyed a solid start to his college career.

Caleb Hopkins, a freshman at Division I Campbell University, finished second in his weight class in the freshman and sophomore division of the Hokie Open Nov.4 in Blacksburg, Virginia. Hopkins, a 2018 graduate of Colony High School, was the runner-up at 174 pounds.

Hopkins pinned his first two opponents in the bracket before edging Dillon Hooey of Indiana 2-1 in the third round. Hopkins won his fourth straight match, pinning West Virginia’s Josh Ramirez in the semifinals.

Trent Hidlay, the top seed from North Carolina State, beat Hopkins in the finals.

As a senior, Hopkins earned his first prep state title, finishing first in the 182-pound bracket. The championship came after consecutive runner-up finishes. Hopkins was a four-time state placer at the high school level.

Sam Sisco, a high school teammate of Hopkins, also made his college debut over the weekend. The University of Jamestown freshman finished 0-2 at 133 pounds in the Jimmie Open.

Editor’s Note: Valley Grown is a regular feature highlighting the work of Valley athletes at the next level.