Pigeon Forge wins fourth wrestling state dual over finals newcomer Nolensville

FRANKLIN — Pigeon Forge got back to winning wrestling championships Saturday, a year after failing to qualify for the TSSAA state duals.

The East Tennessee perennial wrestling power made up for it, winning the program's fourth Class A/AA championship over Nolensville 59-18. The Tigers also have four state runner-up finishes and a fourth-place finish.

"I felt like if we got through Gibbs (in the region) we had the capabilities of doing what we just did," Pigeon Forge coach Greg Foreman said. 

Pigeon Forge won the duals with victories over three Nashville area programs, beating Greenbrier 45-27, Fairview 46-33 and then Nolensville in the final.

A year ago Gibbs beat Pigeon Forge in the region championship and went on to win the state duals. The score of the region championship remained in the Pigeon Forge locker room this season, serving as a reminder.

Andrew Baiamonte, a senior wrestling at 152 pounds, clinched the title when he beat Gavin Channell by technical fall 20-5. Baiamonte has witnessed the full spectrum.

Baiamonte was a freshman in 2016 when Pigeon Forge finished state runner-up. The next year the team won it before not qualifying for state in 2018.

"It feels awesome to end on a high note," Baiamonte said. "We had won one, lost one and didn't even make it one year.

"I knew how every one felt like. I didn't want to get another second place."

The runner-up finish came in Nolensville's fourth year. It is the first TSSAA state runner-up team trophy in any sport.

"We have three seniors," Nolensville coach Josh Peck said. "To be able to come this far and have them lead us here is a wonderful experience. 

"It shows the hard work they've put in it. To do it this quickly, we're building something special I hope."

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