The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team won the 7AAA Traditional Area Tournament with 253.5 points, a full 34.5 points ahead of second place Heritage. The Bobcats finished with five champions: Cameron Perry at 160lbs; Daniel Bautista at 113lbs; Justin Karr at 120lbs; Johnie Flakes at 138lbs; and Joey Ray at 160lbs. Cameron Perry was voted “Most Outstanding Wrestler” by the coaches in attendance for the lightweight (152lbs and under) classes. Brady McCollum finished second at 126lbs. Joshua Harrison finished fifth at 132. Sam Rogers finished third at 145lbs. Jamie Lopez finished fifth at 152lbs. Jared Sweat finished third at 170lbs. Ben DeLoach finished fourth at 182lbs. Tyler Bertolini finished fourth at 195lbs. Austin Sprayberry, who dislocated his elbow and could not finish the tournament, finished sixth at 220lbs. Heavyweight, J.P. Pritchett, was the final Bobcat place winner, finishing sixth.

Only those wrestlers who finished in the top four in their respective weight classes will move on to sectionals, in order to have a chance to compete at the state traditional tournament.

Head Coach, Sam Snider, could not hide his glee, and could be heard exclaiming,

“Going to celebrate with a trophy,”

while rubbing his hands excitingly shortly after the point totals were announced.