Beech trio wins state wrestling championships
Tom KreagerFRANKLIN — The Beech trio of Trey Bates, Brayden Palmer and Noah Horst have sparred against each other all season.
On Saturday they took their turn standing atop the podium at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center.
The three Buccaneers claimed Class AAA state titles in three of the four smallest weight classes and finished their seasons a collective 153-3.
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Bates won at 106 pounds. Palmer won at 120 pounds and Horst won at 126.
"We go at it every day and it gets us better," said Palmer, who beat Arlington's Michael Cannon by an 11-2 major decision in his final. "We're all different weights so it's hard to tell which one of us is the best.
"We're all pretty even. We get upset when the other scores on us. So that makes us work harder."
Beech's three champions were part of 21 Nashville area wrestlers that won state championships among the TSSAA's four wrestling classes.
Horst, who won the 106-pound title a year ago, picked up 20 pounds to compete in the 126-pound class. That also allowed Bates, a freshman, to compete at 106 pounds.
"I think I'm probably one of the smallest (126-pound wrestlers) this year," said Horst, a sophomore, who wrapped up the season 45-2 with a 4-2 sudden victory over William Blount's Calvin Martin. "I just had to use technique and speed.
"I feel like technique and aggressiveness trumps strength any day. I just put in my work."
Palmer had plenty of motivation this season. He lost just one match all season a year ago — in the state championship. He replayed that loss all season to drive him.
"I've watched that match so many times," said Palmer, who finished 56-1 for the season. "I've been waiting for this."
Bates beat Cleveland's Trae McDaniel 5-3 in his final to complete the trifecta of Beech champions. Bates finished the season 52-0.
Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.