Area sending crowd to GHSA state wrestling
The field for the GHSA state traditional tournament is set for all seven classifications, and once again northwest Georgia wrestling programs are well represented.
More than a third of the Class AAAA field (40 of the 112 competitors) in Macon will be from one area. While Jefferson is the team to beat, several individuals from Area 6 are expected to compete for individual titles this week at the Centreplex.
If this past weekend’s sectional tournament at Woodward Academy in College Park was any indication, as many as eight Area 6 wrestlers could win championships. Gilmer, a state powerhouse and the runner-up to Jefferson at last year’s traditional tournament, has 12 of its 14 wrestlers moving on.
The Bobcats, though, had just two first-place finishers at their sectional — Caleb Waddell at 152 pounds and Anthony Zilke (285) — which was the same number as Ridgeland and LaFayette. The Panthers advanced each of their five sectional wrestlers to Macon, including champions Jordan Hughley (138) and Jacob Mariakis (145), while the Ramblers’ two qualifiers, Tyler Beard (182) and Cody Deal (220), were champions.
“A bunch of us were talking at the end of the day, and we thought our area was a bit off because we were young, but we showed up in a big way,” Ridgeland coach Keith Mariakis said. “This region will prove itself next week.”
Heritage qualified six wrestlers for state, led by 106-pound champion Ryan Craft, while Northwest Whitfield advanced the same number, including surprising champion Jamarey Hull (170), who upset No. 1 seed Ryan McGill of Ridgeland 5-3 in the finals.
› Sonoraville was the big winner at the Class AAA B sectional at Bremen. The Phoenix advanced each of their eight wrestlers there to state, led by a quartet of champions: Eli Knight (106), Tyler Hunt (132), Trevor Burdick (138) and John Knight (195).
“We’re happy with that,” said Sonoraville coach Randy Steward, who knows winning the team title with just eight wrestlers will be tough. “You know what, with the quality of the kids we have — and we have to score bonus points, but if we do that, we have a good shot. The eight kids we are sending are all potential placers.”
Sonoraville’s area, 6-AAA, will be represented well, too. Coahulla Creek advanced each of its five sectional wrestlers, led by 220-pound champion Daniel Lopez. Among Ringgold’s three state qualifiers is a sectional champion, Griffin Green (145), though the Tigers were upset at 120, where 2017 state champion Logan Skeen failed to qualify for state.
› Trion advanced eight of its 14 wrestlers at the Class A A sectional at Irwin County. Bolen Stricklin (120), Lincoln Maddux (138), Cole Luallen (145) and Logan Blevins (195) earned individual championships.
“I thought it was a very good tournament with very tough competition,” Trion coach Eric Brock said. “Having eight through and three alternates was good, but I was hoping to get those three in. I’m really proud of Bolen Stricklin and Lincoln Maddux winning titles. Of course, Logan Blevins and Cole Luallen did what they were expected to do. I’ll take that and run with it.”
Also at Irwin County, Gordon Lee had five wrestlers advance to state, led by champion Braden Jarvis (170).
› Dalton continued its impressive weekend at the Class AAAAAA B sectional at Lanier High School in Buford, qualifying eight wrestlers into the state field. Leading the way were individual champions Hunter Noland (113) and Joseph Reese (195). Five of the other six Catamounts at the tournament finished second or third.
› Chattooga led the way at the Class AA B sectional at Rockmart, qualifying five wrestlers from the Indians’ area championship team, including champions Griffin Jarrett (106) and Alex Mears (195).