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Chesapeake Today
By the People, for the People
Grassfield Wrestler Funches Eyes Back-to-Back State Crowns
After a late start, Funches has become a dominant heavyweight wrestler for the nationally-ranked Grassfield High School team.
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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Chris Funches was just a freshman football player at Grassfield High School when he was convinced to join the wrestling team. Now a senior, Funches has blossomed into a heavyweight wrestling star, winning the state title as a junior and looking to repeat as champion this weekend. Funches' journey from beginner to elite wrestler has been remarkable, and he now has a chance to cement his legacy by becoming one of the few Grassfield wrestlers to win back-to-back state crowns.
Why it matters
Funches' success highlights the impact a good coach and program can have in developing an athlete, even one who starts a sport late. His journey also shows the rewards of hard work and dedication. Grassfield's wrestling team has become a powerhouse, and Funches' potential back-to-back titles would be a crowning achievement for the program.
The details
Funches was just a freshman football player when Grassfield head wrestling coach Patrick Shuler convinced him to join the wrestling team. Funches was initially hesitant, but quickly took to the sport, impressing Shuler and the coaching staff with his work ethic and potential. As a heavyweight, Funches showed his grit early on, providing key wins for the team. He has since developed into a dominant wrestler, claiming the state title as a junior and now eyeing a repeat performance this weekend.
- Funches joined the Grassfield wrestling team as a freshman after the football season.
- Funches won the state heavyweight wrestling title as a junior.
- Funches is looking to repeat as state heavyweight champion this weekend.
The players
Chris Funches
A senior heavyweight wrestler at Grassfield High School who won the state title as a junior and is looking to repeat as champion this weekend.
Patrick Shuler
The head wrestling coach at Grassfield High School who convinced Funches to join the team as a freshman.
Grassfield High School
A high school in Chesapeake, Virginia with a nationally-ranked wrestling program that is seeking back-to-back team state titles.
What they’re saying
“I had everyone clapping and was like 'yeah, we got a new guy coming out for the team.'”
— Patrick Shuler, Grassfield Head Wrestling Coach (wtkr.com)
“There's something about Funches. There's a charisma to him. He's likable and he's influential and he's proven that he is a leader in a way.”
— Patrick Shuler, Grassfield Head Wrestling Coach (wtkr.com)
“It would really mean a lot to me, just going back-to-back. Just showing what I'm made of, Grizzly grit.”
— Chris Funches (wtkr.com)
What’s next
Funches will look to cap off his high school career by winning his second straight state heavyweight wrestling championship this weekend.
The takeaway
Funches' journey from a reluctant freshman football player to a dominant heavyweight wrestler showcases the power of good coaching and an athlete's willingness to put in the hard work to develop their skills. His potential back-to-back state titles would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats in Grassfield's storied wrestling program.
