RaVaughn Perkins will have to settle for being just like his big brother. But that's not all that b
April 1, 2009 By Anders Christensen of North High School
Published Sunday February 17, 2008
Vikings' Perkins is perfect
BY NICK RUBEK
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER RaVaughn Perkins will have to settle for being just like his big brother. But that's not all that bad for the Omaha North sophomore.
Omaha North's RaVaughn Perkins celebrates his 16-6 win over Lincoln East's Drew Etherton.Perkins completed his undefeated season and stamped his first state title with a 16-6 win over Lincoln East's Drew Etherton at 135 pounds. Perkins wins his first gold medal in Class A, a season after losing in the finals to Omaha Burke's Alex Bridgeford - who picked up his second state title on Saturday.
Perkins also started the trek toward brother DaVaughn, who finished his undefeated career with his third state title a season ago. Although he knows that he won't be able to get four golds, RaVaughn said it was a relief to get that first.
"Last year went by so fast, I don't even know what happened," he said. "It was my first time in front of a crowd like that, in an atmosphere like that. This time, I was used to it."
DaVaughn Perkins, in the stands to watch his younger brother, said that he could see a different RaVaughn on the mat.
"Everyone kind of always said that he tried to be like me," DaVaughn said. "But I don't really think that's the way it was. I think there was some pressure last year to win it because I won it. I just told him to go out there and be himself."
Juranek said it was a desire for a title of his own that drove RaVaughn.
"I think he wanted to win state for himself," Juranek said. "He's a kid that's been dedicated to the sport for 10, 12 years. It was his time and he went out and took it."
Although he's the one most members of the Vikings point to as team jokester, it wasn't until Perkins made his way off the mat to the wrestler's warmup area that a smile came out.
"It's all business for him when he gets on that mat," Juranek said. "He's a technician that goes to work."
Now the kid they call "Ray-Ray" can start thinking about the number three - as in state championships.
"I always dreamed and wished for four," he said. "I'm finally a state champion. But I want two more."
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