The Tullahoma High School wrestling team celebrates Greenbrier during sectionals on Saturday, Jan. 27. That victory allowed the Wildcats to earn their third straight appearance in the TSSAA State Duals Tournament.
The Tullahoma High School wrestling team celebrates Greenbrier during sectionals on Saturday, Jan. 27. That victory allowed the Wildcats to earn their third straight appearance in the TSSAA State Duals Tournament.
For the third consecutive year, the Tullahoma High School boys wrestling team is headed to the TSSAA Duals Tournament after beating Greenbrier during sectionals at home on Saturday.
The TSSAA Class A State Duals Tournament takes place at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Center in Franklin. The Wildcats will open their state tournament by facing Signal Mountain at 9 a.m. this Saturday.
“I am excited as our boys wrestled great on Saturday, defeating a good Greenbrier team,” said Tullahoma Head Coach Bob Callison. “We are never guaranteed anything, so watching our boys focus on the match tells me so much about our team. The determination and fight they have for each other are great. I am so happy for our boys and their parents, as some of these wrestlers have been competing since they were 5-6 years old, with their parents taking them across the state and country.
“Our coaching staff has worked an incredible amount of man-hours to get this team back to the State Championship for the third year in a row. I am especially happy for Coach Sean Adkins and Coach Jeff Lester as they help me guide this team, and I know the many hours they have put in to get our boys ready,” Callison added. “Our goal is to win a state championship for our community here in Tullahoma. Our boys are great ambassadors for our great city, and we are excited for the opportunity to compete against the best teams in Tennessee.”
Tullahoma seized control early in their sectional match by winning seven of the first eight bouts, including six by pin (6 points each), to take a 39-6 lead. Caiden Mears and Corbin Avans both pinned their opponents in the first round to give the Wildcats a quick 12-0 lead.
Greenbrier followed with its first win to make it 12-6 before Tullahoma reeled off five-straight victories. Roman Sintic pinned his opponent in the second round, while Connor Avans and Carson Avans secured first-round pinfalls. Chandler Kile followed with a 5-3 decision (3 points), and Robert Tatum pinned his opponent with 13 seconds remaining in the first round.
Tullahoma added two more pinfall victories before the match concluded. Sayvion Surles and Andres Hamilton each notched second-round pins as Tullahoma notched the 51-29 victory.
“What an exciting time it is for THS wrestling,” exclaimed TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens. “Three-straight appearances in the TSSAA Duals is incredible. I am absolutely thrilled for these wrestlers and their coaches for all the hard work that they have put into the sport. I cannot wait to see how they do on Saturday.”
For more information about the TSSAA State Duals Tournament, including Saturday’s full schedule, click here.
