Cassada-Maple career ended short by injury

By Michael "Moe" Murphy
Clarke County Sports

Josh Cassada-Maple is consoled by coach Troy Mezzatesta after a career ending

injury Friday night at the Region II wrestling tournament at John Champe High
School in Aldie. Cassada-Maple was ranked among the top wrestlers in the state at

170 pounds.                   Photo by Michael "Moe" Murphy / Clarke County Sports

ALDIE, VA- Josh Cassada-Maple’s storied wrestling career ended one week early as the 170 pound senior dislocated his shoulder in his first round match against Liberty’s Rico Bumbrey in the first round of the Region II tournament at John Champe High School in Aldie.

“Josh extended his arm and it appeared to get caught in the mat."Viking Coach Troy Mezzatesta said. “I heard Josh make a noise and then a loud yell. It’s a tough way to end a career that began in the third grade.”

Cassada-Maple was visibly distraught as Mezzatesta consoled him before he left the gym to receive medical attention.

Mezzatesta confirmed after returning with the team that Cassada-Maple had torn ligaments in the ac joint.

The acromioclavicular joint is located at the top of the shoulder where the acromion process and the clavicle meet to form a joint. Several ligaments surround this joint, and depending on the severity of the injury, a person may tear one or all of the ligaments. Torn ligaments lead to acromioclavicular joint sprains and separations.^[1]     

“Josh had a moment with his mom, who has supported her son through his career since he began wrestling in the third grade.”Mezzatesta said,  “It was a very emotional night for the team and Josh told me to tell the team to go out and kick some butt.”

The second day of the tournament starts at 10:00AM and gates open at 9:00AM for the event. Finals are scheduled for 5:00PM

 

¹ Rockwood CA, Green DP, eds. Injuries to the acromioclavicular joint. Fractures in Adults. Philadelphia, Pa: JB Lippincott; 1984:860-91.