Tullahoma wrestlers stand on the State podium

Freshman Zachary Murphy placed sixth in the 126 weight class. Murphy fought back through consolation to take his place on the podium. Murphy went 3-3 over the weekend.

Freshman Corbin Avans landed himself in the championship bout after three victories throughout the weekend. Avans pinned two of his opponents and won by a 6-3 decision. Avans lost by a 5-2 decision in the first place match, winning second place.

The senior class for the boys wrestling team showed out at state with three making the championship bout and two taking home gold.

Andres Hamilton pinned two of his opponents and won by a 12-3 major decision. Hamilton lost in the championship round by a technical fall and took home silver.

Caiden Mears and Connor Avans stood high on the podium after winning their brackets. Mears pinned two of his opponents and won by tech fall of 24-5. Mears secured his gold medal with a 3-1 decision victory over Soddy Daisy’s Braylan Cosper.

Connor Avans took home the gold in the 190 weight class. Avans pinned his first opponent in 14 seconds. He then went on to win by a 7-1 decision in the quarterfinals. He punched his ticket to the golden bout after winning by fall in a minute and 26 seconds. He defeated his district rival Isaac Chapa from Cascade 4-2 to take home the gold.

The Wildcats were third in team points with 111.5 throughout the weekend.

After a very successful first year in Tullahoma, head coach Bob Callison looks forward to next year and having more wrestlers make it to the state tournament.

“I feel blessed. I moved across the country not really knowing our wrestlers, coaches, parents,” Callison said. “It was a leap of Faith with many uncertainties. I am so proud of our wrestlers, coaches, parents, school and community. I am looking to seeing our Tullahoma wrestling program work for a calendar year. I have only had since July 10 until now. Excited to watch our underclassmen work and see how well I can continue to help our student athletes grow!”