Wrestling Updates and Tidbits...

[Sommers]

13 hours ago, RMC said:

Three individual champions enough for Buford state wrestling repeat title

• By David Friedlander

  david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com

•  

MACON — By its own admission, the finals of the GHSA State Traditional Wrestling Championships wasn’t exactly the best day for Buford.

Fortunately for the Wolves, it was good enough, with eight individuals advancing to the finals having built up a huge lead in the team standings so that even with only three state champions, they were able to cruise to the Class AAAAAA team title Saturday at the Macon Centreplex.

Sophomores Nick Stonecheck (132 pounds) and Charlie Darracott (145) each won their second straight individual state championships, while Triston Bozoian completed a perfect season with his first state title at 182 pounds.

 

But it was just as much the five Wolves who wound up as state runners-up that played a role in Buford sweeping the state team duals and traditional championships for the second straight year.

“They (all) wrestled really well this weekend,” Buford coach Tom Beuglas said. “Getting eight of nine (state qualifiers) to the semifinals was pretty impressive. That’s obviously what won the tournament for us. I knew we were going to have a hard time winning very many in the finals because we had some really tough matchups. It’s disappointing, but when you get this far, everybody’s good. A lot of them can go either way.

“Last year … was exciting. This time, there was a little more pressure because everybody expected it. But they did the job as a group.”

Indeed, even the five Wolves who wound up on the short end of the stick in their title matches — Nick Cambria, Logan Ashton, Kyle McCullough, Blaine Bergey and Cooper Roberts — put up a tough fight, with three of those five defeats coming by a single point and one other coming by only two points.

And they each earned valuable team points leading up to Saturday, along with Billy Barber, who worked his way through the consolation bracket to place fifth at 195 pounds.

Still, with the first three Buford finalists on the day having come up short, it was a bit of a relief when Stonecheck was able to jump out in front with an early takedown, and then use a two-point reversal late in the second period to pull away for a 5-0 win over Union Grove’s Bryson Nease to win the 132 title.

“I had to do what I had to do,” said Stonecheck, who won a state title at 126 pounds last year. “Obviously, it was enough. I just figured if I do what I had to do, I’d come out on top. That’s how it ended up.

“The first takedown was obviously the key to the match, but that reversal kind of iced the match. I relaxed a little bit more (after that).”

Two matches later, Darracott joined Stonecheck in becoming a two-time state champ, pulling away for an 8-3 decision over Union Grove’s Gabe McDaniel to add the 145 title to the one he won at 138 a year ago.

But perhaps the most dramatic title for the Wolves on the day was Bozoian, who outpointed Union Grove’s Camden Johnson 5-3 in the 182-pound final to not only win his first state title, but end the season at a perfect 33-0.

“He actually went undefeated this season,” Beuglas said. “So I’m super happy for him. That’s certainly the way you want to go out.”

While Buford was the only Gwinnett squad to win a team title, several others turned in strong performances throughout the weekend, and specifically on Saturday.

Archer got individual titles from Peter Myndresku at 152 pounds and Will Choloh at 285 to place third in the Class AAAAAAA team standings with 114 points, trailing only champion Camden’s 233 and runner-up North Forsyth’s 115.50.

Two other Gwinnett teams rounded out the top five of the Class AAAAAAA team standings, with Collins Hill riding championship performances from Clint Gilbert at 106 and Lucas DeSilva at 145 to place fourth at 110, while Brookwood was close behind in fifth at 107.50, thanks to a state 170-pound title by Gabriel Lee plus a runner-up finish at 182 by David Key.

Mountain View also cracked the top 10 of the AAAAAAA standings by placing seventh at 96 points, paced by Harrison Spikes’ individual title at 195.

One of the nations best going 3 of 8 in the finals, and who knows if all divisions were thrown in. That shows depth down in GA!!

But Beuglas has been and continues to be on the fast track to the GHSA HofF.

Amazing Coach!

I'd love to see a Tri-Meet between Union Co KY, Cleveland and Buford.

[RMC]

17 hours ago, Sommers said:

One of the nations best going 3 of 8 in the finals, and who knows if all divisions were thrown in. That shows depth down in GA!!

But Beuglas has been and continues to be on the fast track to the GHSA HofF.

Amazing Coach!

I'd love to see a Tri-Meet between Union Co KY, Cleveland and Buford.

The pre-tournament thinking was Buford would win an all classes tournament.  Definitely some good wrestlers in GA.  When a kid can win the Kansas City Stampede tournament, but lose in the 5A state finals shows that.   

[cobrakid8]

17 hours ago, RMC said:

The pre-tournament thinking was Buford would win an all classes tournament.  Definitely some good wrestlers in GA.  When a kid can win the Kansas City Stampede tournament, but lose in the 5A state finals shows that.   

An all classes tourney would be between Camden and Buford I would think, and McCrary might be the best wrestler to come out of GA in a while. To beat Ashton TWICE in the past few weeks as a Freshman the kid is simply a STUD!

[Sommers]

Jefferson sure has been consistent down there unlike some flashes, Pope 3-4 years, Collins Hill for 6-8 years, Parkview about the same, Archer for a few. And who can ever forget the dominance of mceachran top to bottom dual team...... and Yes yes yes... How bout Camden... A Machine!

....For us it's great to see McCallie come back and compete with Baylor once again, the bros back again, Bradley strong again, Science Hill no doubt, along with always steady Cleveland top 2-3 all divisions in Tennessee and top 5 in SE here lately.

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HIGH SCHOOL

Murfreesboro area wrestlers with best chance of winning an individual state championship

Cecil Joyce | USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee1:13 p.m. CT Feb. 14, 2018

 

Gone are Nick Boykin and Matthew Sells and their five combined state individual wrestling titles.

But the area still has high hopes for championships this season as the TSSAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament begins Thursday at Williamson Ag & Expo Center in Franklin.

Stewarts Creek's Lucas Gaines (right) and Riverdale's David Medina (left) will both be competing at ...more

TOM BECKWITH

The event will go for three days and will conclude Saturday evening with state finals matches.

Three area wrestlers who garnered runner-up finishes last year will be attempting to get back to the finals and win a title.

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Region 5-AAA individual wrestling tournament, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018.

TOM BECKWITH

Blackman's Landon Fowler (170), Siegel's Christian Salter (182) and Eagleville's Wyatt McLemore (132) will all be seeking their first state titles.

Salter and Fowler are both ranked No. 1 in their weight divisions in Class AAA.

"There are some tough guys I'll have to wrestle," said Fowler, who has lost just two matches this season. "I just have to keep it going."

Salter is 32-1 this season and hopes to finish the deal after expecting to win a state title last year.

"You know, going in, everyone's game plan," Salter said. "I just have to wrestle my match."

Blackman's Daniel Bradford (138) and Smyrna's Cameron Henderson (132) both medaled at last year's state.

Class AAA will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday with the rounds of 32 and then 16. Action begins Friday at 10 a.m. with AAA quarterfinals and A-AA round of 16. Girls quarterfinals will begin at 11 a.m. Friday.

More: Siegel's Salter, Blackman's Fowler out to better state runner-up finishes

Blackman's Daniel Bradford recently won the Region 5-AAA title in the 138-pound division.

TOM BECKWITH

Here are area wrestlers who will be competing at the state tournament, by school:

CLASS AAA

Blackman: Alex Rose (106), Peyton Adams (113), Daniel Bradford (138), Jalen Brown (152), Anthony Gomez (160), Landon Fowler (170), Spencer Layne (182), Ryan Heath (195), Bowdy Boyce (220), Jamil Hughes (285).

Oakland: Tyler Vanderheyden (113), Samaj Burton (120), Desmond Stepp (126), Joe David Bell (132), Andrew Farrar (138), Ryder Gebhardt (160), Conner Coughran (170), Caleb Perkins (195), Branson Boone (220), Jackson Riley (285).

Stewarts Creek: Tyler South (106), Kenny Harless (113), Lucas Gaines (120), Kalani Meckes (126), Trevor South (138).

Siegel: Jordan Fenton (132), Michael Moultry (152), Kenny Phillips (170), Christian Salter (182).

Riverdale: David Medina (120), Brandon McClure (126), Kurt Scothern (170), Luis Ramirez (195).

Smyrna: Brandon Layana (106), Cameron Henderson (132), Daniel Derryberry (145).

La Vergne: Richard Giers (152), Hector Feliciano-Torres (220)

CLASS A-AA

Eagleville: Gabe Pennington (106), Blaine Fussell (120), Wyatt McLemore (132)

GIRLS

Siegel: Kortney Brinkley (103); Smyrna: Kalee Sanberg (103); Stewarts Creek: Rylie Bohannon (170).

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce

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11 Fairview wrestlers qualify for State Individual Tourney

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State Tournament starts Friday at County Ag Expo Center

 

NANCY STEPHENS  |  USA TODAY NETWORK – TENNESSEE

6:39 p.m. CST Feb. 13, 2018

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Fairview High wrestlers find success at Region Individual Tournament

What’s a surefire way to feel better when you’re stuck in bed with the flu? Ask Fairview High head wrestling coach Jim Derrick.

After a successful season on the mats, Derrick was unable to attend the Region Individuals Wrestling Tournament, hosted at Fairview High, over the last weekend due to the illness – but 11 FHS wrestlers scored a trip to the State Individuals Tournament.

With assistant coaches Darryl Casey, Matt Bates and parents handling the tournament in Derrick’s absence, he said, “I feel blessed to have an army of parents and coaches over achieve and step up in my absence to see 10 boys and 1 girl qualify for State.”

The wrestlers will move on to the State Individuals which will be held at Williamson County Ag Expo Center this Friday and Saturday.

STORY FROM PUBLIX

5 Swoon-worthy date night dinner ideas

 

“We, as a wrestling community in Fairview, have put a lot of hard work in over the last six years. It was really nice to see a lot of our past wrestlers show up in the gym this past weekend to share in the success. All of our past wrestlers are well aware of all the hard work that has been done past and present to get us to where we are,” said Derrick.

He added, “I, for one, hope it continues this weekend with several State medalists and State Champions. It would be nice to see some of these guys cap off a magical season with a State Championship. Most of these guys are putting in some of their best wrestling right now.”

Senior Tristan Mann has added some real leadership for the Yellow Jackets with his performance over the last month, and added some real dramatics to the end of the season. Coach Derrick noted, “I believe everyone on the team is feeding off of it.”

The Fairview High wrestlers will also be representing the school as a team at the State.

A-AA Region 4 Individuals Results

Boys

106-lb - Justin Martin, 3rd

126-lb -  Riley Bennett, 1st

138-lb -  Braxton Hunter, 2nd

152-lb -  Blake Sisco, 1st

160-lb -  Mario Pukl, 2nd

170-lb -  Logan White, 1st

182-lb -  Chad DeLano, 2nd

195-lb -  Tristan Mann, 1st

220-lb -  Hiller Gray, 4th

285-lb -  Jackson Clevenger, 2nd

Girls

103-lb - Hope Henderson, 1st

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15 Nashville area high school wrestlers to watch at state tournament

 

TOM KREAGER  |  USA TODAY NETWORK - TENNESSEE

Updated 4 hours ago

 

TSSAA Individual State Wrestling Championships kick off Thursday

The TSSAA Individual State Wrestling Championships will be held Thursday-Saturday at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center.

TOM KREAGER

The TSSAA Individual State Wrestling Championship will be held Thursday-Saturday at Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin.

Wrestling begins at 3 p.m. Thursday. 

Tickets cost $10 and parking is an additional $5.

Here are 15 Nashville area wrestlers to watch this weekend:

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Photos: Region 7-AAA wrestling tournament

Daniel Bradford, Blackman, Sr. Bradford placed third at 132 pounds a year ago. He's 31-6 at 138 pounds this season.

Landon Fowler, Blackman, Jr. Fowler enters the season 31-2 at 170 pounds after finishing 46-4 and falling in the Class AAA 152-pound final in 2017.

Melisa Garcia, Cookeville, Jr. Garcia won the 125-pound girls weight class in 2017. She will compete in 119-pound bracket this weekend.

Jeffrey Gross, Forrest, Jr. Gross won the 113-pound weight class in Class A/AA a year ago. He is the top seed at 126 pounds this season.

Noah Horst, Beech, So. Horst, who won the Class AAA state title at 106 pounds as a freshman, is 40-2 this year at 126 pounds.

 

Summit's Sawyer Knott placed fourth in last year's Class AAA state wrestling tournament at 170 pounds.  

JOE BUGLEWICZ / FOR THE TENNESSEAN

Sawyer Knott, Summit, Sr. Knott, who placed fourth in Class AAA at 170 pounds in 2017, is currently 36-2 in the same class.

Michael Kramer, Wilson Central, Jr.Kramer, who finished runner-up at 285 pounds a year ago, is 39-1 this season.

Toby Lynch, Greenbrier, Sr. Lynch is the top seed at 220 pounds in Class A/AA after finishing third in the class a year ago. He is 29-0 this season.

Brayden Palmer, Beech, Jr. The 120 pounder finished Class AAA runner-up at 113 pounds a year ago. He's 52-1 this season.

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Photos: Region 5-AAA individual wrestling tournament

Christian Salter, Siegel, Sr. The Gardner Webb signee was runner-up at 182 pounds in Class AAA a year ago. He's 32-1 this season.

Zanaya Shropshire, Independence, Sr.Shropshire, who is 15-4 this season, won the 185-pound girls weight class in 2017. She'll look to win the 190-pound class this season.

Joseph Vogelpohl, Father Ryan, Sr.Vogelpohl was second at 138 pounds in Division II in 2017. He is 29-7 this season at 152 pounds.

Nathan Walling, Mt. Juliet, Sr. Walling placed first at 195 pounds a year ago in Class AAA. 

Bryce Wittman, MBA, Sr. Wittman placed second at 145 pounds in Division II a year ago. He is 39-2 this season in the same class.

Robin Yunis, Rossview, So. Yunis will try to defend her state title in the 130-pound girls weight class. She is 30-0 this season.

Reach Tom Kreager at tkreager@tennessean.com or 615-259-8089 and on Twitter @Kreager.

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Forrest grapplers win region, send eight to state

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Anthony S. Puca Sports Editor

Defending state champion Jeff Gross (top) remained undefeated on the season after he claimed the Region 3A/AA title on Saturday.

Tribune photos by Anthony S. Puca

The Forrest wrestling team keeps getting better every year and this may turn out to be the best ever after the Chapel Hill grapplers traveled to Sequatchie County High School at Dunlap last weekend for the Region 3A/AA Tournament and turned in a record setting performance.

The Rockets were not sure how they would fare in the new region realignment with mostly Chattanooga area programs, but in the end they prevailed in the team score and sent eight wrestlers to the 2018 TSSAA Wrestling State Championships at the Franklin Expo Center on Friday and Saturday.

“It was a strong performance, we were not sure what to expect out of the Chattanooga teams, but our guys showed up and wrestled well,” Forrest coach Chris Slaughter said. “It is a big accomplishment for this program. It sets a new team record for both categories.”

“Hopefully, we can continue the trend at state. We will just have to remain focused on one match at a time.”

Defending state champion Jeff Gross remained undefeated on the season at 22-0, sweeping through 126-pound bracket and claiming the region title with a 10-0 major decision over Red Bank’s Gage Evans in the championship bout.

“Jeff has wrestled very well this year,” Slaughter said. “He is always the technical, very methodical wrestler. He had a good test in the semifinals, but stayed focused and did not let some poor calls distract him.”

Freshman Cole Geeting (right) punched his ticket to the state tournament with a region crown in the 145-pound weight class.

Cole Geeting (18-3) continued his outstanding freshman season, winning all three of his matches to claim the 145-pund title, including an exciting 7-5 double overtime win over Nolensville’s Gavin Channell in the championship match.

Forrest senior Austin Geeting (left) finished in second place at Sequatchie County and will wrestle in the state tournament.

Senior Austin Geeting (16-3) made it a state tournament brother combo as he took home second place in the 160-pound weight class, winning his first two bouts before being defeated 6-2 by Jonah Bird from Red Bank in the finals. Austin Geeting came in sixth place at the state tournament last year in the 170-pound weight class.

“We knew these two could perform well, we just had to get them in the right weight classes,” Slaughter said about the Geeting brothers. “Once they accomplished that we knew how tough they could be.”

Sophomore Nick McClendon (23-1) received two byes before showing his domination of the 170-pound bracket with a pair of pins to win the region title.

Sophomore Nick McClendon (top) takes his 23-1 record to the TSSAA state tournament this week after his dominating win at the region tournament.

McClendon pinned Lloyd Pinheiro from East Ridge in the semifinals before taking home the region title with a second round fall over Whitwell’s Allen Ashworth in the championship bout.

“Nick performed very well,” Slaughter said. “We knew he could win it all and that he could be the dark horse no one expected.”

Senior Drew Carlisle (22-3) will also be making a return trip to the state tournament after he won all three of his matches at Sequatchie County.

Senior Drew Carlisle (left) makes a return trip to the state tournament after gutting out an overtime win in the region title bout.

Carlisle pinned Jamal Keesee from East Nashville in the quarterfinals and won by a fall over Nolensville’s McKinley Wagner in the semifinals, setting up an epic championship bout with Jackson Hash from Red Bank.

Carlisle and Hash battled to a 0-0 first round tie before Hash garnered one point on an escape in round two.

Carlisle regained his escape point to tie the match at 1-1 in the third round and there was no scoring in the first overtime period.

The Forrest grappler took a 3-2 lead in the second overtime period before winning the championship 5-3 with a takedown over Hash. Carlisle finished in third place last year at the state tournament in the 182-pound bracket.

“Drew’s performance was outstanding, he was clutch in that third overtime,” Slaughter stated.

Wesley McCoy (top) has come back with a vengeance after being injured for most of the season as the junior finished in first place in the 195-pound weight class.

Junior Wesley McCoy (7-1) has been injured most of the season, but came back with a fury at the region tournament, claiming the 195-pound title with a pair of pins after garnering first and second round byes.

McCoy pinned Cascade’s Grant Countess in the semifinals before coming away with a three-round 5-3 decision over East Ridge’s Pedro Bautista in the title bout. McCoy finished in third place in the 160-pound weight class at last year’s state tournament.

“Wesley has had some adversity, but looks strong and can perform very well at this weight,” Slaughter said. “It is a difficult situation giving up so much weight, but he is a tough competitor.”

Senior Bryton Spitzley (top) makes his first state tournament appearance after coming up with a strong second-place finish at Dunlap.

Forrest also got two more state qualifiers when seniors Bryton Spitzley and Cody Connelly made their way through.

Spitzley (21-5) came home in third place in the 152-pound bracket, wrestling four matches at the region tournament and beating Signal Mountain’s Oliver Goodgame 13-10 in a three-round battle in the third place bout.

Cody Donnelly (right) will also be making his first trip to state after finishing in fourth place in the 220-pound weight class at the Region 3A/AA Tournament on Saturday.

Donnelly (8-9) also gutted out a four-match region tournament, falling in the semifinals to Jacob Miller from Nolensville before battling back to beat East Rudge’s Michael King 4-0 in the consolation round to finish in fourth place and punch his ticket to Franklin this week. Thomas Argo from Whitwell beat Cody Donnelly 12-6 in the third place match.

“I kinda expected it to be honest, I knew we had some very good draws,” Slaughter said about Spitzley and Donnelly. “Those two showed up and performed well. I am very proud of these two.”

The TSSAA State Wrestling Tournament begins Friday at 10 a.m. and continues through Saturday night with the championship bouts kicking off at 5:30 p.m.

“We will keep it fun,” Slaughter stated. “We plan to train with various other programs which should help to break the monotony and keep it fun.”

TSSAA Region 3A/AA Tournament results

106-Pounds: Braiden Vanderploeg (11-13)

Championship Round 1 - Braiden Vanderploeg (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Desmon Drake (East Ridge) 11-9 won by fall over Braiden Vanderploeg (Forrest), 0:43.

Consolation Round 2 - Braiden Vanderploeg (Forrest) received a bye.

Consolation Round 3 - Braiden Vanderploeg (Forrest) won by fall over Korey Nettles (Tennessee School for the Blind), 0:43.

Consolation Semifinal- Gabe Pennington (Eagleville) 32-7 won by fall over Braiden Vanderploeg (Forrest), 0:29.

113: Forest Ozburn (11-14)

Championship Round 1 - Forest Ozburn (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Forest Ozburn (Forrest) won by fall over Logan Roberts (Eagleville), 1:56.

Semifinal - Isaac Tate (Signal Mountain) 24-5 won by fall over Forest Ozburn (Forrest), 1:00.

Consolation Semifinal - Hunter Nolan (Sequatchie Co.) 6-13 won by fall over Forest Ozburn (Forrest), 2:43.

126: Jeff Gross (22-0)

Championship Round 1 - Jeff Gross (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Jeff Gross (Forrest) won by fall over Kayden Walker (Nolensville), 1:50.

Semifinal - Jeff Gross (Forrest) won by decision over Kevin Muschel (Signal Mountain) 24-8, (Dec. 5-2).

1st Place Match - Jeff Gross (Forrest) won by major decision over Gage Evans (Red Bank), 14-6 (MD 10-0).

132: Hunter Pendley (12-12)

Championship Round 1 - Hunter Pendley (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Hunter Pendley (Forrest) won by fall over Zane Willis (Watertown), 5:51.

Semifinal - Wyatt McLemore (Eagleville) 32-3 won by fall over Hunter Pendley (Forrest), 3:12.

Consolation Semifinal - Ty Martin (Nolensville) 35-19 won by major decision over Hunter Pendley (Forrest), (MD 16-6).

138: Carson Blackwell (9-13)

Championship Round 1 - Carson Blackwell (Forrest) 9-13 received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Will Keener (Sequatchie Co.) 19-4 won by decision over Carson Blackwell (Forrest), (Dec 8-1).

Consolation Round 2 - Carson Blackwell (Forrest) received a bye.

Consolation Round 3 - Carson Blackwell (Forrest) won by fall over Brandon Smotherman Watertown), 1:27.

Consolation Semifinal - Amado Gomez (Whitwell) 9-9 won by decision over Carson Blackwell (Forrest), (Dec 7-2).

145: Cole Geeting (18-3)

Championship Round 1 - Cole Geeting (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Cole Geeting (Forrest) won by fall over Clarence Cordell (East Ridge), 3:01.

Semifinal - Cole Geeting (Forrest) won by decision over John King (Whitwell) 12-6 (Dec 6-5).

1st Place Match - Cole Geeting (Forrest) won in tie breaker - 1 over Gavin Channell (Nolensville) 31-9 (TB-1 7-5).

152: Bryton Spitzley (21-5)

Championship Round 1 - Bryton Spitzley (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Bryton Spitzley (Forrest) won by fall over Noah Smith (Cascade), 0:26.

Semifinal - Jacob Roberts (Whitwell) 12-5 won by decision over Bryton Spitzley (Forrest), (Dec 11-9).

Consolation Semifinal - Bryton Spitzley (Forrest) won by fall over Jacob Franklin (Watertown), 3:35.

3rd Place Match - Bryton Spitzley (Forrest) won by decision over Oliver Goodgame (Signal Mountain) 11-13 (Dec 13-10).

160: Austin Geeting (16-3)

Championship Round 1 - Austin Geeting (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Austin Geeting (Forrest) won by fall over Jonathan Keesee (East Nashville), 1:48.

Semifinal - Austin Geeting (Forrest) won by decision over Daniel Hodges (East Ridge) 19-5 (Dec 4-1).

1st Place Match - Jonah Bird (Red Bank) 6-2 won by major decision over Austin Geeting (Forrest), (MD 13-0).

170: Nick McClendon (23-1)

Championship Round 1 - Nick McClendon (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Nick McClendon (Forrest) received a bye.

Semifinal - Nick McClendon (Forrest) won by fall over Lloyd Pinheiro (East Ridge), 1:11.

1st Place Match - Nick McClendon (Forrest) won by fall over Allen Ashworth (Whitwell), 3:29.

182: Andrew Carlisle (22-3)

Championship Round 1 - Andrew Carlisle (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Andrew Carlisle (Forrest) won by fall over Jamal Keesee (East Nashville), 1:39.

Semifinal - Andrew Carlisle (Forrest) won by major decision over McKinley Wagner (Nolensville) 15-15 (MD 10-0).

1st Place Match - Andrew Carlisle (Forrest) won in tie breaker - 1 over Jackson Hash (Red Bank) 13-3 (TB-1 5-3).

195: Wesley McCoy (7-1)

Championship Round 1 - Wesley McCoy (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Wesley McCoy (Forrest) received a bye.

Semifinal - Wesley McCoy (Forrest) won by fall over Grant Countess (Cascade), 2:29.

1st Place Match - Wesley McCoy (Forrest) won by decision over Pedro Bautista (East Ridge) 13-7 (Dec 5-3).

220: Cody Donnelly (8-9)

Champ. Round 1 - Cody Donnelly (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Cody Donnelly (Forrest) won by fall over Logan Moore (Eagleville), 4:00.

Semifinal - Jacob Miller (Nolensville) 39-3 won by decision over Cody Donnelly (Forrest), (Dec 6-0).

Consolation Semifinal - Cody Donnelly (Forrest) won by decision over Michael King (East Ridge) 4-9 (Dec 4-0).

3rd Place Match - Thomas Argo (Whitwell) 12-6 won by decision over Cody Donnelly (Forrest), (Dec 7-1).

285: Sam Williams (3-6)

Championship Round 1 - Sam Williams (Forrest) received a bye.

Quarterfinal - Hayden Brammer (Nolensville) 26-15 won by fall over Sam Williams (Forrest), 2:00.

Consolation Round 2 - Sam Williams (Forrest) received a bye.

Consolation Round 3 - Sam Williams (Forrest) won by fall over Dylan Estes (Cascade) 6-11, 1:11.

Consolation Semifinal - James Headrick (Whitwell) 10-2 won by fall over Sam Williams (Forrest), 1:48.

Team Scores

1	Forrest-174
2	Signal Mountain-168.5
3	Whitwell-149.5
4	Red Bank-135.5
5	Nolensville-124.0
6	East Ridge-103.0
7	Sequatchie County-86.0
8	Eagleville-68.5
9	Tennessee School For The Blind-17.0

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FIRST AND ONLY LAVERGNE STATE CHAMP GROWING THE SPORT...

Historic 140 lb LaVergne wrestler (only Wolverine State qualifier in '97 and the school's first State champ back in '97 with upset over undefeated and #1 seeded Bradley grapler)  ...Angelo Giansante continues to make history in Polk Co placing third ahead of 11 schools in their region falling short of only Alcoa and Hixson...

http://clevelandbanner.com/stories/wildcat-mat-men-create-history,74470

Wildcat mat men create history with Park Ranger Volunteer as coach...

By PATRICK MacCOON

Posted 2/14/18

Before embarking on the first wrestling season ever at Polk County High School, volunteer coach Angelo Giansante traveled up to Cumberland College in Kentucky to make a dream possible.

The head park ranger at Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park, who is the only state champion wrestler ever from La Vergne High School (1997), was excited to get the program off and rolling.

“We found our mats we practice on via a Craigslist add and took out a loan to go buy them,” said Giansante, who is also a military veteran and a 2012 Hall of Fame inductee to Middle Tennessee State University's wrestling program. “Polk’s colors are red, white and blue and when we got there to see the mats for the first time they were red and white with a big P on them. This team was a complete grassroots effort we are extremely proud of.”

With only two wrestlers out of the 14 starters to have any experience, the start to the season for the Wildcats was a tough challenge. 

“Feeding them to the wolves” was how the first couple of months were best described.

However, a newly acquainted group continued to battle through the early learning stages and listened to their coaches. 

“Polk County has been known to take very little and make the most of what they can,” said head coach Robert Combs. “These wrestlers have taken a start-up program and made us competitive in just one year. They have practiced and put so much in to achieving incredible success in just a short time.”

Recently at the Region 2 A-AA tournament, the Wildcats provided quite a statement as they finished third out of a total of 12 teams. Hixson and Alcoa were the only two to finish ahead, which are programs vast in history.

PCHS finished .5 points ahead of typical powerhouse Chattanooga Central for a top three finish.

When the TSSAA Class A-AA State Traditional Championship begins Friday, Polk County will have half of its starting lineup out under the bright lights of the Williamson County Expo Center.

Among those first-year wrestlers to advance to the biggest stage are: Josh Emerson (113), Cameron Dwyer (126), captain Zack Hammock (138), Justice Dykes (145), Carson Dillbick (152), captain Nolan Morris (182) and Devin Hollingsworth (195).

“This is an inspiring group of young men who have battled and fought to achieve something pretty amazing,” Giansante said. “Imagine any other sport, basketball or baseball, and take kids who have never played it and make them compete at the high school level. Those are overwhelming odds.

“These kids have had zero quit in them. I can tell them to do something 100 times and they are going to keep driving and pushing. Me and our other assistant David (Bradford) are both successful college wrestlers, so we’ve been in the ring with them trying to teach them all we can.”

With big dreams for the program from the start in an area surrounded by powerful programs such as Cleveland, Bradley Central and Walker Valley (39 combined state championships, over 200 state medalists), emotions have been on full display this postseason.

“I cried when these boys advanced to state,” Coach Combs said. “This is the first time for a lot of them to commit to anything bigger than themselves. Seeing them walk around the mats representing the top four wrestlers from our region was special. They went from no experience to having a chance to compete at state.”

The community has rallied around the team as well.

State Sen. Mike Bell has paid for the hoodies and sweats Polk County’s wrestlers will wear at the state tournament. Donations have flowed in with T-shirts, socks and gear bags. Even the local bank has offered the team money to buy food to take on their trip to Franklin, while a local auto shop has helped support the team as well.

For senior captain Nolan Morris, the trip will be one to remember for a lifetime. His coaches consider him the “nucleus” of the lineup.

“We all have worked hard for this in our first year,” Morris said. “The coaches have been amazing and the hard work has paid off. I want to live in the moment as much as possible at state. I am very excited for it and want to leave it all in the ring.”

The moment will be bigger than any of the wrestlers for the Wildcats have ever seen, as they will be in the mix with the best through the entire state in a crowded, college-like atmosphere.

With the chance to represent their school and community for the first time, the group is humbled by the chance and thankful for those who helped make it possible.

“We want to thank our school superintendent Dr. (James) Jones and especially our school principal Ronnie German for being there for us all the way,” Combs said. “We also want to thank the people in our community for helping us financially. We hope this is just the start of wrestling in Polk County and hope to get a middle school feeder program going next year.”

In a season that will go down as one of the most memorable in Polk County sports history, the Wildcats will get the chance to experience a moment this week that will surely take their breath away.

Great job and good luck at the big show this weekend.

------------------------------

Note: Giansante joined MTSU Hall of Fame'ers from 40+ years ago...

 

MTSU Hall of Famers: McCallie wrestling coach emeritus Gordon Connell (standing) meets with MBA coach Frank Simpson (kneeling, left) and Father Ryan coach Pat Simpson to discuss the upcoming MTSU wrestling hall of fame induction in February. The Simpson brothers wrestled for Connell at Middle Tennessee State in the mid-to-late 1970s. All three are members of the Tenn. chapter, National Wrestling Hall of Fame. 
- photo by Wesley Schultz

Led by three current high school coaches – Gordon Connell (McCallie, coach emeritus), Frank Simpson (MBA) and Pat Simpson (Father Ryan) – the Middle Tennessee State University Wrestling Foundation announces its inaugural hall of fame class.

Joining these three are Angelo Giansante, Mike Kuziola and Tony Rowland.

These six men – all of whom wrestled or coached for MTSU either during the NCAA program era (1974-1980) or the current National Collegiate Wrestling Association era ( 2000 to present) – will be inducted Sat. Feb. 18 at the Williamson County Ag and Expo Center in Franklin prior to the championship finals of the TSSAA traditional state 
wrestling tournament.

“The MTSU Wrestling Foundation is excited to have these six men comprise our inaugural class as they have played an important part in the success of MTSU wrestling over the years,” said  (former) MTSU head coach Bryan Knepper.

 

Connell, a 2004 World Veterans Freestyle champion, served as the program’s second coach for six years (1975-80) and coached Kuziola, 

Rowland and the Simpson brothers. Giansante was a two-time NCWA All-American in 2002 and 2005.

Pat Simpson, Kuziola and Rowland each won a Southern title and were NCAA qualifiers while at MTSU.

Connell (Brainerd, 1966) and Giansante (LaVergne, 1997) are former state champions, while Connell, and the Simpsons are also members of the Tennessee chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

BLUERAIDERWRESTLING.COM: For more information on the MTSU Wrestling program and the Hall of Fame, go to blueraiderwrestling.com

Edited February 15, 2018 by Sommers

[Sommers]

Thanks HofF'er BB...

 

D-II Wrestling: 20th Anniv. Team

Thursday, February 15, 2018 - by B.B Branton

Highlighted by five-time state champions T.J. Duncan and Zach Watson, below is the D-II 20th anniversary wrestling team (1998-2017).

 

A talented array of prep wrestlers are listed in the top three, plus honorable mentions, in each of 14 weight classes.

 

Taking into account the changes in weight classes during the past 20 years (1998-2017), a wrestler chosen for a certain weight class must have won a title at that weight.

 

Example: 2x – Two time state champion … OW – state tourney Outstanding Wrestler

 

Directory: Bay (Baylor) … BA (Brentwood Academy) … CB ( Christian Brothers) … FR (Father Ryan) … MBA (Montgomery Bell Academy) … McC (McCallie), ND (Notre Dame), PJP (Pope John Paul)

 

106 –

Elijah Oliver (Fr., CB … 3x state champ)

Christian Simpson (Sr. FR … 3x state champ)

Brandon Bruner (Bay … 3x state champ)

HM: Jay Adamson (9th, ND … 2x state champ), Whit Casey (CB … state champ), Cole Moseley (9th, FR … state champ,), William Simpson (So., MBA… 2x state champ)

 

113

Patrick Simpson (Jr. MBA … 3x state champ ... OW in 2002 at 125)

Michael Hooker (8th McC/FR … 3x state champ)

Jimmy Hiller (Jr. FR … 2x state champ, placed at sr nat’ls at 125)

HM: Alex Elsea (Jr. McC … 2x state champ), Tate Robinson (9th, CB … state champ)

 

120

Jordan Leen (Jr. Bay … 4x state champ .. OW in 2004 at 135) Note: NCAA Nat'l Champ

Whit Dunning (Sr. FR … 3x state champ … OW in 2005 at 119)

Spencer Manley (Sr. McC … 2x state champ… OW in 2003)

HM: Bill Hayduk (Jr. ND … state champ and 3rd at 119), John Michael Simpson (Jr., MBA ... 2x state champ)

 

126

 Zach Watson (Sr. Bay … 5x state champ … OW at 103 in 2008 … OW at 126 in 2012)

Kirby Simpson  (Jr. FR  2x state champ

Trey Chalifaux (Sr. FR … 2x state champ … OW in 2016)

HM: Raymond Eason (Sr., FR … 3x state champ), Bailey Whitaker (Sr. Bay …. 4x state champ)

 

132

Raymond Dunning (Sr. FR … 3x state champ)

Eli King (Sr. FR … 3x state champ)

Adam Connell (Jr. McC ... 3x state champ .  Tenn. State wrestler of the year, 2014)

 

HM:  Daniel Baulke (Sr. CB … 2x state champ and OW at 130), Jamie Castleman (Sr FR … 2x state champ), Alex Johnson (Sr, CB …2x state champ) Alex Manley (Sr. Bay …2x statet champ), Corey Manson (Sr. Bay … 2x state champ … OW in 2006)

 

138

Philip Simpson (Sr. MBA … 4x state champ … OW in 2000, 2001) Note: NCAA Finalist & multi AA

Stuart Doster (Sr. Bay… 4x state champ)

Jeff Geismar (Sr. Bay … 3x state champ),

 

HM:), Trevor Brown (Sr., CB … state champ), Cody Cleveland (Sr, McC … 2x state champ), Jason Finnell (Sr., McC … 3x state champ), Andrew Smith (Sr. McC … state champ), Will Young (Sr. McC… 3x state champ)

 

145

Michael Murphy (Sr. Bay … 4x state champ)

Matt Provenzano (Sr. Bay … 3x state champ)

Justin Blair (Sr., McC … 2x state champ)

HM: Reed Doster (Jr., Bay ... 2x state champ)

 

152

Kaleb Baker (Jr. CB … 3x state champ .. OW at 152 in 2013)

Nick Marable (Sr, CB … 2x state champ) Note; handed Jordan Burroughs one of his friends losses and broke his long standing international win streak a couple of years ago.

Justin Cash (Sr, BA) … OW at 152 in 2009)

 HM: Lee Connell (Sr., McC … 2x state champ), Daniel Waddell (Jr., Bay … 2x state champ)

 

160

T.J. Duncan (Sr. McC … 5x state champ .. OW at 160 in 2011)

Ryan Scott (Sr. McC … 4x state champ)

Blake Sutherland (Sr. Bay … 2x state champ, OW)

HM: Patrick Marchetti (Sr. FR … 2x state champ), Bryson Popp (Sr. Bay … 2x state champ),  Charles Wheland (Sr. Bay … 2x state champ)

 

170

J.T. Hagen (Sr. McC … 3x state champ)

Aaron Bateman (Sr., FR … 3x state champ ... OW in 2007)

Wes Wesley (Sr., FR… 3x state champ)

HM: Fletcher Thompson (Sr. Bay … 2x state champ)

 

182

Khamari Whimper (Jr. Bay … 2x state champ … OW in 2017 and national prep champ at 170)

J.T. Holmes (Sr. FR … 2x state champ)

Judah Duhm (Sr. McC … 2x state champ)

 

195

Ryan Parker (Sr. Bay … 3x state champ)

Michael Marable (Sr. CB … 2x state champ)

Buster Bateman (Sr, FR … state champ)

 

220

Amos Mason (Sr. B.A. … 2x state champ)

Zach Schultz (Sr. FR … 2x state champ)

Courtney Coffee (Sr. PJP) … 2x state champ)

HM: David Helton (Sr., Bay … state champ), Sean Meredith (Sr, ND … state champ)

 

285

Scott Wells (Sr. B.A. … 2x state champ … OW in 1998)

Zach Herman (Sr. FR … 2x state champ)

Ryan Carrethers (Sr. BA … state champ)

HM: Gordon Berry (Sr., FR … state champ), Charles Green (Sr., McC … 2x state champ), River Henry (Jr McC … state champ…national prep runner-up)

 

williambranton1962@gmail.com

______________________________________

Here's what Chris Bono and Garrett Jordan is up to...

No. 12-ranked South Dakota State (13-2, 7-0 #Big12WR) at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, in Brookings ... It is a Big 12 Conference dual and Battle for the Border Bell ... SDSU has won 13 duals in a row!

They they have an overall record with the Rival North Dakota State they are wrestling next of 42 wins and 18 losses.

They are favored to win tomorrow which will make it four in a row. Kudos to UTC's former coach!!

__________________________________

Many of you compete or have seen KY powerhouse Union Co and what the Erwin's have put together over the years...

• 65°

•  

 

Union County wrestling eyeing three-peat at state

By: Patrick Moore 

Posted: Feb 14, 2018 10:01 PM CST

Updated: Feb 14, 2018 10:01 PM CST

This weekend, the Union County wrestling team will compete for their third straight state championship.

A state title would also give the Braves their tenth in school history.

The Kentucky state wrestling tournament will be held in Lexington and it will begin Friday at 9:30am ET.

______________________________________

Just over the Tennessee line...

 

FEATURED

Fleeger building NAIA power

• by John Huckaby

The University of the Cumberlands is the champion of the Mid-South Conference. The Patriots went 6-0 in conference duals and 13-1 overall. The school in Williamsburg, Ky. is ranked fourth nationally in the NAIA.

Wait, don’t quit reading. We’re getting to the local angle.

The local tie is that former Loyalsock High and Purdue University star Chris Fleeger is the head coach at the Cumberlands and the team has shown marked improvement in each of his four years as the top guy at the school.

The Mid-South is the Big 10 of the NAIA, but don’t tell that to Grand Valley State of Iowa, the reigning champ of the division.

Fleeger, a two-time state champion for the Lancers and two-time NCAA runnerup for the Boilermakers, is no stranger to coaching. He came to the Cumberlands after coaching at Darton College, Albany, Ga. And earlier he was an assistant at Purdue where he helped guide three NCAA All-Americans.

He said he found his present post by networking with his many contacts in the wrestling world. In his first three years, the Patriots were ranked in the teens but this year the team is up to fourth in the nation. The team’s only loss was to Life University, a loss that was later avenged.

“I knew nothing about the school but I really liked it at the interview. The school just got a new president and I thought it would be a good spot,” Fleeger said.

This year’s squad has wrestlers from nine states including mat hotbeds Ohio and Wisconsin.

“We cast a wide net when it comes to recruiting. Previously the Midwest was the target but now we look all over,” the coach said.

The area is not a hotbed of the mat sport. There are only three or four high school teams within a half hour of the school. Williamsburg is 11 miles north of the Tennessee line.

The quality of the high school wrestling in the area is not good, he said. He blamed the lack of skilled coaches for the mediocre wrestling.

Fleeger wants to build the program from scratch, not from transfers from higher division schools. He said he’s had one D-1 transfer in his four years and he was not recruited by Fleeger.

“As far as recruiting goes, I don’t like to be pushy. I watch them wrestle. I don’t want kids who don’t want to come here and then leave, “ he said.

The support from the administration is evident. Not only does the school have a men’s team it also has a women’s team. “They have their own facility separate from ours. I think they are the only women’s team that has their own separate facility,” he said.

Does Fleeger get more satisfaction from coaching than he did for wrestling?

“It’s a mixed bag. I take pride in my coaching and I get real nervous. I like making an impact and having kids sort it all out is an awesome feeling,” he said.

Next up for the Patriots is the Mid-South Conference Tournament Saturday and the NAIA nationals in early March in Des Moines.

With three top-ranked wrestlers and six ranked athletes overall, the Patriots should fare well.

And Fleeger builds his coaching legacy.

***

Fortunately wrestling isn’t known for having competitors die on the mat. But there nearly was a death during last weekend’s Old Dominion-Ohio U. match in Athens, Ohio

Austin Reese, a 174-pounder from Ohio, collapsed on the mat during his bout and was not breathing and had no heartbeat. He was revived with a defibrillator and taken to a hospital.

According to printed reports, Reese, a former high school champion in Ohio, was resting and undergoing treatment early in the week.

***

Last weekend’s upsets changed the top spot in two weights — 165 and 285.

Iowa’s Alex Marinelli’s upset of Penn State’s Cenzo Joseph at 165 has pushed Isaiah Martinez to the top spot. And Michigan’s Adam Coon’s win over Kyle Snyder of Ohio State has elevated Coon to the top spot at that weight.

We could see rematches in the Big 10 tournament.

***

Penn State fans will be able to say goodbye to one of the greats Sunday when the Lions entertain Buffalo in Rec Hall.

Zain Retherford will leave State College as one of most dominant wrestlers ever to wear a singlet. And we don’t just mean a Penn State singlet.

***

Anybody remember Cam Tessari? Tessari was one of four Monroeville, Ohio wrestlers who each won four Ohio State titles in a five year period. Two of the wrestlers were the Steiber brothers (Logan and Hunter) and Chris Phillips was the other along with Tessari.

Tessari finished fourth in the 2012 NCAA championships for Ohio State. Then a series of injuries and off-the-mat woes forced him out of wrestling. He’s back as a 149-pounder for Lindsey Wilson College in the NAIA. He’s now ranked No. 1 nationally after a runner-up finish last year.

***

It was good to see Milton’s Ryan Preisch back on the mat for Lehigh. Preisch, ranked No. 4 nationally at 184, won 8-0 at Arizona State. He had been out for six weeks or so with an ankle injury.

***

Upcoming duals: Friday: Rutgers at Wisconsin; Ohio U. at Maryland; North Carolina at Cornell; Oklahoma at Lehigh; Saturday: Bloomsburg at Bucknell; Penn at Drexel; Ohio U. at American; Sunday: Iowa at Iowa State; Ohio State at North Carolina State; Central Michigan at Michigan; Purdue at Wisconsin; Northwestern at Southern Illinois; Rutgers at Princeton; Rider at Maryland; Michigan State at Clarion; Pitt at Lehigh; Bucknell at Binghamton.

Recent dual scores: Oregon State 33, Fresno State 6; Rider 22, Hofstra 21; Duke 25, Appalachian State 17; Minnesota 20, Rutgers 12; Michigan 39, Michigan State 3; Oklahoma State 34, Edinboro 6; N.C. State 26, North Carolina 6.

Also, South Dakota State 25, Pitt 13; Clarion 30, Bloomsburg 6; Northwestern 24, Purdue 16; Penn State 28, Iowa 13; Cornell 22, Drexel 13; Northern Iowa 31, Iowa State 7; Ohio State 18, Michigan 15; Va. Tech 22, Va. 18; Oklahoma State 31, Oklahoma 6; South Dakota State 24, West Virginia 9; Minnesota 26, Maryland 22.

***

John Huckaby has been covering amateur wrestling for more than 40 years. He can be reached at jhuck@ptd.net

Edited February 16, 2018 by Sommers

[cobrakid8]

15 hours ago, Sommers said:

Jefferson sure has been consistent down there unlike some flashes, Pope 3-4 years, Collins Hill for 6-8 years, Parkview about the same, Archer for a few. And who can ever forget the dominance of mceachran top to bottom dual team...... and Yes yes yes... How bout Camden... A Machine!

....For us it's great to see McCallie come back and compete with Baylor once again, the bros back again, Bradley strong again, Science Hill no doubt, along with always steady Cleveland top 2-3 all divisions in Tennessee and top 5 in SE here lately.

 

 

 

There is no equal on Jefferson as far as a TN team, if they were in TN and doing that we would have people fighting for a 4th division. Cleveland beat them this year 36-30 but they would be considered a small school division in TN

[RMC]

30 minutes ago, cobrakid8 said:

There is no equal on Jefferson as far as a TN team, if they were in TN and doing that we would have people fighting for a 4th division. Cleveland beat them this year 36-30 but they would be considered a small school division in TN

Should I tell Sommers, who I went to high school with, that Pope finished 9th in 6A?....hardly back.  Should we tell him to watch Woodland next year too? 

I would have liked to see Buford and Cleveland wrestle this year......after Buford got healthy of course.  

And cobrakid8.....your previous post was spot on.  

 

[cobrakid8]

14 minutes ago, RMC said:

Should I tell Sommers, who I went to high school with, that Pope finished 9th in 6A?....hardly back.  Should we tell him to watch Woodland next year too? 

I would have liked to see Buford and Cleveland wrestle this year......after Buford got healthy of course.  

And cobrakid8.....your previous post was spot on.  

 

Jefferson is a heck of a team! They wrestled against Cleveland this year and Cleveland only beat them 36-30 which isnt to bad for a school of only 1003 students which would be considered a small school in TN. If they were in TN we would have schools asking for a 4th division(if you didnt know they have won 16 straight duals titles in 3 different divisions, 17 straight traditionals). They drilled in the state duals Gilmer which has 200 more students same with West Laurens and Marist a 800 student private school.

[Sommers]

12 hours ago, RMC said:

Should I tell Sommers, who I went to high school with, that Pope finished 9th in 6A?....hardly back.  Should we tell him to watch Woodland next year too? 

I would have liked to see Buford and Cleveland wrestle this year......after Buford got healthy of course.  

And cobrakid8.....your previous post was spot on.  

 

No doubt old man... You know how those senior moments come and go.

Pope had a good season or two, but had Archer to contend with.

Other that 7A, how did Camden stack up with other stronger teams throughout the season? 

____________________________________

A name that never seems to go away in Middle Tennessee...

Franklin's Job Dooley blocks out distractions to focus on wrestling

 

TOM KREAGER  |  USA TODAY NETWORK - TENNESSEE

Updated 1 hour ago

 

 

Franklin's Job Dooley reaches state quarterfinals

Franklin 138-pounder Joe Dooley reached the TSSAA state quarterfinals on Thursday.

TOM KREAGER

FRANKLIN — Excuse Job Dooley if he doesn't show much emotion this weekend while he competes in the TSSAA State Individual Championships.

It's just not his style.

He's the conservative, quiet type. And that suits the Franklin junior well on the wrestling mat.

"I think it helps in blocking things out," said Dooley, who is competing at 138 pounds in Class AAA in this weekend's state tournament. "There are a lot of people trying to tell you what to do when you are on the mat and how to do everything.

 

Job Dooley  

TOM KREAGER / THE TENNESSEAN

"You just have to focus. Also, you have to know that you don't know everything. You have to learn from your mistakes and grow. No matter how good you are, you can always get better."

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View|15 Photos

 

Photos: Region 7-AAA wrestling tournament

Dooley rolled through his first two matches in Thursday's opening rounds of the state tournament. He pinned Powell's Dusty McCullah in 19 seconds in the first round. He followed that with a 15-0 technical fall in 3:07 against Oakland's Andrew Farrar.

He returns to action at 6 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinals, where he faces Soddy-Daisy's Landon Lewis at 10 a.m.

More: 15 Nashville area high school wrestlers to watch at state tournament

Dooley, who entered the state tournament 33-3, is a two-time state medalist. He finished fourth at 120 pounds as a sophomore and was fifth at 113 pounds as a freshman.

"Job is an old soul," Franklin coach Frank Barbrie said. "He's very soft spoken and very humble. He's probably one of the most humble kids I've ever met.

"If you see him with his friends, he's very quiet. He's not brash; he's an even keel. That's what I love about him. He's just doing his job."

Dooley was named the most outstanding wrestler for the lighter weights in last week's Region 7-AAA wrestling tournament after beating rival Nathan Porter of Summit 7-3 in the region final. It avenged an 8-2 loss in the Johnny Drennan '85 Memorial Wrestling Invitational in January.

But Dooley didn't celebrate the win. He simply remained quiet and focused.

"I came out lackadaisical and wasn't prepared," Dooley said of the first meeting with Porter this season. "I came out ready and was prepared the way I should have been." 

Dooley is part of a loaded 138-pound bracket, which includes five former state medalists in the 32-man field.

"I consider him to be a top-2 kid in the state," Barbrie said of Dooley.

Dooley's goal is to be the top kid in the state.

"My goal since the summer is to win state," Dooley said. "Obviously, (winning the region) was a big step in the road. But I'm focused on my goal."

_______________________________

Some of you may remember Mrs Varner....

She was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on March 2, 2012...

Martha Ellen Varner

Longtime Supporter Of Wrestling Community At High School, College, National, And International Levels

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Martha Varner

Martha Ellen Varner, a mother and friend to all she met along the way, passed away on February 13, 2018.  She leaves behind her a beautiful legacy of service to not only family and friends but to the community at large.

She was born to Warren P. Goebel and Elizabeth Larson on June 3, 1939.  She grew up mainly in Buffalo and Orchard Park, N.Y., but had adventures living from Washington State to Marietta, Ga., where she officially became a “Suzzner”.  This beautiful Northern Belle met and married her Southern Gentleman (Roy “R.W.” Varner) in Chattanooga on Feb. 20, 1965. They had three sons (Robert, Christopher, and John (who passed too soon).  She added two wonderful daughters (Keri and Christie) when her sons married.  She became “Dibby” when she was soon blessed with four incredible granddaughters (Hannah, Flynn, Kate, and Riley).  These were her immediate family, but she treated all those who came into her life as extensions of this family.  From her sons’ friends over the years, collegiate wrestlers from across the country, a few Olympic wrestlers along the way, to neighbors, friends, and extended family, she was a Mom to all.

She was a Sunday School teacher at Trinity Woodmore United Methodist Church and was in charge of their mother’s day out program where she was known as Ms. Marty.  She assisted as needed and kept the books for Drs. Vance and Stafford.  Between these duties and raising a family, she always found time to volunteer at her sons’ schools with nursing, fundraisers, parades, sports, and nearly anything she was asked to help with.  It was a rare event if she ever missed one of her sons sporting events or school programs.  Marty and Roy were integral in organizing and assisting with the TSSAA tournament when it was held in Chattanooga. 

Marty and Roy also supported the wrestling community from the high school, college, national, and international levels for over 40 years. They were Mom and Dad to any wrestler needing support and organized and assisted with numerous wrestling tournaments (including TSSAA state tournaments, the Southern Conference championship, two World Cup events (1993, 1995) and USA Wrestling training camps prior to the 1995 World Championship and the 1996 Olympics).  Their support was recognized when they were inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on March 2, 2012.  These accomplishments are even more remarkable seeing as both sons were avid soccer players and never wrestled.

She is now with her heavenly father and is enjoying the company of her Mom, Dad, son John and those family and friends that have gone before her.  A beautiful, brilliant light has been added to the heavens and will be missed by all that have had the opportunity to have known her. 

Marty is survived by her husband of 53 years Royal “R.W.” Varner, her son Rob and his wife Keri, granddaughters Flynn and Kate, her son Chris and his wife Christie, granddaughters Hannah and Riley, her brother Peter and his wife Luanne and their children Amanda, Adam, and Adrienne and their families.  She is also survived by her brother in law Frank and sister in law Janette and their families and her lifelong friend and fellow troublemaker Barb and her husband Dave and their family. She was blessed to be mom to so many extraordinary people over the years but she always held a special place for Jessica and Cody, Michael Mirabella and his family, and Chip Hassler and his family.  I would name all those who were special to Marty, but the list would be never-ending like the love of her family for her has been over these many years.  She may be gone from this mortal coil, but she will never be forgotten.  Her love and legacy live in all those who were blessed by her light. 

Local visitation will be on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 4-7 p.m. at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412

South Carolina visitation and service will be on Monday, Feb. 19, from 12-2 p.m. at the Russell Funeral Chapel, 107 W. Main St. Moncks Corner, SC 29461.  Burial will be in Rudd Branch Cemetery in Summerville, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Rudd Branch Cemetery care of Peggy Welch Baker Treasurer, 3304 Pinewood Dr. Ladson, SC 29456.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.

Edited February 16, 2018 by Sommers

[Sommers]

 

Area Prep Notebook: Cleveland leads area teams aiming for state wrestling titles

February 16th, 2018by Staff Reportsin Sports - PrepsRead Time: 3 mins.

 

McCallie's Alex Whitworth, left, tries to maintain his grasp on Scottsboro's John McAlphin during the championship finals of the McCallie Invitational in December.

Photo by Doug Strickland /Times Free Press.

 

McCallie's Alex Whitworth, left, wrestles Scottsboro's John McAlphin in their championshp bout in the McCallie wrestling invitational at McCallie School on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Photo by Doug Strickland /Times Free Press.

The Chattanooga area will look to continue its dominance at the state wrestling tournament this weekend at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo in Franklin.

An area team — Bradley Central, Cleveland or Soddy-Daisy — has won the Class AAA state traditional title the past 17 seasons, with Bradley having won the past two. The Bears own 26 combined state titles — traditional and duals — in program history.

There will be a full schedule of matches beginning today, with champions decided Saturday evening.

Cleveland won the state duals in the largest classification two weeks ago, while Baylor (Division II) and Signal Mountain (A/AA) were runners-up in their classes.

Last season, McCallie finished second and Baylor fourth in D-II and Hixson rallied to finish runner-up in A/AA, while 17 area wrestlers won individual state titles. McCallie's Alex Whitworth won the 108-pound individual title last year and is back now to compete in the 126-pound division. He has a chance to become a rare five-time state champion after winning last year's crown as an eighth-grader.

While the perennial area powers again are among the favorites, Whitwell is a relatively unknown program that has had a breakout season, sending a school-record 10 qualifiers into the A/AA bracket under first-year coach Jacky Blosser. The Tigers' Warner Ashworth (170) and Jacob Roberts (152) were runners-up at last weekend's Region 3 meet at Sequatchie County. Signal Mountain has eight qualifiers.

Red Bank sets up selection committee

Red Bank High School has put together a selection committee for the purpose of hiring its next head football coach.

The committee includes Red Bank alumna Susan Thurman, who taught and coached at the school from 1970 to 2010, former football star Gerald Ware, athletic director and coach Mandi Munn, assistant principal and former coach Wendell Weathers, faculty member Dani Morris, principal Elaine Harper and Tenika Jackson, the parent of two current Lions players. Thurman, Ware, Munn and Weathers are in the school's hall of fame.

The Lions job came open last week with the firing of four-year veteran Chad Grabowski, who had guided the program to back-to-back Region 3-3A titles and led them to the state semifinals last season. The committee began the process of selecting finalists for the job this week.

Twins Tanner and Travis Woodall

Photo by Contributed Photo /Times Free Press.

North Jackson has two state qualifiers

When twins Tanner and Travis Woodall transferred to North Jackson (Ala.) two years ago, they thought their wrestling careers were over because the school never had offered the sport. But after sitting out last season, the two juniors convinced Chiefs football coach Mark Rose to offer wrestling, and now they have qualified for the Class 4A Alabama state tournament this weekend in Huntsville.

The brothers brought a 10-by-10-foot mat from home, taped it to a larger piece of mat used by the cheerleaders and placed it in the football locker room, which served as their practice area each day. They were the only two students who opted to wrestle at North Jackson this school year.

"They're ultra competitive, so about every day they get ticked off at each other and wind up really going at it," said Rose, whose son Coleman is a former top-ranked wrestler in Alabama's 7A. "They had been coached their whole life and already knew what they were doing, so I just kind of oversee their workouts and try to break them up if they get too rowdy."

The pair had wrestled since they were 5 and even after taking a year off realized they were still pretty good when Tanner (197 pounds) placed second and Travis (222 pounds) third at the annual McCallie Invitational. Going into the state meet, Tanner is 25-2 overall, with only one loss to an in-state opponent, and Travis is 27-4 with two losses to the top-ranked 7A wrestler.

Both brothers also were two-way starters for the Chiefs in football: Tanner played quarterback and linebacker, and Travis played tight end and linebacker.

"We both like the mental toughness involved with wrestling, and we missed not doing it last year," Tanner said.

Added Travis: "It helps that we're twins, so we're basically the same size and can go against each other every day. When it's just you on the mat there's nobody else who's responsible for what happens. We both like that."

[RMC]

18 hours ago, cobrakid8 said:

Jefferson is a heck of a team! They wrestled against Cleveland this year and Cleveland only beat them 36-30 which isnt to bad for a school of only 1003 students which would be considered a small school in TN. If they were in TN we would have schools asking for a 4th division(if you didnt know they have won 16 straight duals titles in 3 different divisions, 17 straight traditionals). They drilled in the state duals Gilmer which has 200 more students same with West Laurens and Marist a 800 student private school.

I'm familiar with GA and TN wrestling.  Actually helped run the GA State tournament for 10 years until 2009.  Live in Suwanee, kid goes to Buford......grew up in Hixson.....nephew was a state champ at Baylor....helped build the old Collins Hill feeder program....going back to late 90's with that....son wrestled at CH....during the boom years.       

[cobrakid8]

2 hours ago, RMC said:

I'm familiar with GA and TN wrestling.  Actually helped run the GA State tournament for 10 years until 2009.  Live in Suwanee, kid goes to Buford......grew up in Hixson.....nephew was a state champ at Baylor....helped build the old Collins Hill feeder program....going back to late 90's with that....son wrestled at CH....during the boom years.       

I kńow you know about Jefferson RMC, that is for those in TN that have no idea who Jefferson is and the domination they have shown through the years. They started in A and now in 4A and still winning state titles. Goes to show what building a great program can do no matter how many students a school has.