Alex Whitworth still remembers the nerves he felt as an eighth grader when he wrestled his way to a TSSAA individual state championship as McCallie's 106-pounder.
Five years later, one of the Blue Tornado's most decorated athletes is trying to join an elusive club. Whitworth hopes to become the third high school wrestler in Tennessee to win five individual state titles, joining McCallie's TJ Duncan (2007-11) and Baylor's Zach Watson (2008-12).
"The hard work first started in sixth and seventh grade, when I was told I had the chance to compete for the high school varsity team in eighth grade," said Whitworth, who plans to continue his wrestling career at Harvard.
"When I got to the state finals for the first time, I just had to believe in all the work I have put in since I first started wrestling when I was 6 years old. After I won that, the talk started about how I could possibly become a five-time state champion, but I haven't let the pressure get to me. I come in every day, work hard and have fun and try to get better every day."
In four state traditional tournaments, Whitworth's combined record is 12-0 with eight pins, three technical fall shutouts and a 13-1 victory in the 160-pound final last year, when he scored 11 back points in the second period and was voted the Division II tournament's most outstanding wrestler for the second year in a row. Outside of the state tournament, his accomplishments include beating nationally ranked Jacob Mariakis of Ridgeland 9-0 to win his bracket at the 2018 McCallie Invitational.
While Friday's match at archrival Baylor will be McCallie's first dual this season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitworth will go into his 170-pound bout with more than 160 career wins.
"Our seniors have been robbed of most of this season, but we have done the best we can to stay in shape and be ready for the moments we do get to go out and do what we love," Whitworth said. "The last time I wrestled a match was October 22. We are all ready to get back on the mat and compete. Through the down time, we have just tried to focus on sharpening our skills every day."
The Dalton, Georgia, native and his teammates are excited the TSSAA state traditional tournament has been moved this season from the Nashville area to the Chattanooga Convention Center, which will host the private and public school classifications as well as the girls' tournament from Feb. 18-20. With COVID-19 still a concern, coach Jake Yost's team will not compete in state duals, which are scheduled for early next month in Williamson County.
"Our senior class is a really special group. This could be one of the best senior classes to ever come through McCallie, wrestling wise," Yost said. "It's a bummer we had to miss so much competition, but we have to focus on the positives and what we can control.
"Alex is going for his fifth state title, while Emory Taylor is going for his fourth. Gavin Cagle is also going for his third straight and Jack Braman his second. Frankie Zahrobsky has also been a part of that group that has done incredible things for several years."
Yost has no doubt Whitworth will put himself in the best position possible to join the exclusive group of five-time champions.
"Consistency is the best word to describe Alex," Yost said. "That comes from being disciplined. He is going to give you max effort all the time. It could be at wrestling practice, in the weight room or in the classroom.
"When you ask him to do something to lead the team or to challenge himself, you know he is going to do it. I have no doubt he and the rest of our guys will enjoy the moments they get the rest of the way. Their futures are bright."
Whitworth knows the stage will be a little different as fans will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, but he hopes his parents and grandparents can see him achieve a dream.
"It would be great winning it here in town," Whitworth said. "This is what I have been practicing for. I am so glad to be a part of McCallie wrestling. The coaches here are great and have helped me out a lot, and I love my team. We are excited for what's to come."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.