BOC says Wrestling Capital “is what you’ve earned”

Bobcat's Corner, News
Gilmer County pursues state recognition as Georgia's Wrestling Capital.

ELLIJAY, Ga – The Gilmer County Board of Commissioners are moving forward with plans to seek state recognition of the school system’s major success in the wrestling world with a proclamation of Gilmer as the State Wrestling Capital.

Parents and Coaches filled the Commissioner’s conference room on Wednesday, September 12, to ask the board for a sign at the county line claiming Gilmer as the wrestling capital of the state in honor of the 17 state titles the county has brought home in the sport.

Coach Mark Waddell spoke first for citizens in the work session saying that what Gilmer has accomplished is “pretty unprecedented.” Noting the 17 team state titles, he said that these were only the team’s titles, not individuals.

As each student practices and becomes part of the team, several parents noted in the work session that their kids have become entirely different people. From the discipline to the camaraderie and the inclusion of faith into the program, many of those present threw support behind the idea, lauding the coaches who have done so much and pushed these athletes to accomplish even more.

One parent even said, “They carry themselves differently.” The changes the students go through during the program was constantly repeated emphasizing its importance to them.

Coaches, Parents, and Students all attended the BOC Meeting in September to show how meaningful that state recognition is to the community.

Coaches, Parents, and Students all attended the BOC Meeting in September to show how meaningful that state recognition is to the community.

Waddell asked for the support of the Commissioners in placing a sign to highlight the 17 combined titles. He noted that part of the success is that it is a singular program. It doesn’t individualize the middle school, the youth, and the high school. With the whole program on track to a singular vision, the success follows with the students accomplishing everything they can.

Coach Sam Snider also spoke about the program’s state recognition sharing stories about the numerous times that Speaker David Ralston brought Gilmer Wrestling to the capital to highlight their championships. Students from Gilmer are spreading across the country, Snider pointed to those who wrestle on scholarships in college and others who use what the program teaches to further their careers in other areas.

Honoring their success, these and other coaches want to highlight the students with a sign acknowledging them. As Snider said, “A sign that says Gilmer County has accomplished this rewards success.”

Coaches weren’t the only ones pushing for recognition of these students as several parents were present at the Work Session. Some spoke of the program’s influence, but Jim Fox emotionally recalled one of the parades they held for winning the state championship, “The memory I have is right across the square during the parade. People were coming out on the sidewalks from the different stores. And out of the city barbershop comes a man with shaving cream on half of his face and a bib trailing behind him… We were escorting all the trucks down the road and I got a view of the sunrise, the flags, and people cheering and wondering what was going on. They were coming out of the store saying, ‘Why is traffic stopped?'”

Fox continued saying that they were explaining that they were celebrating the young people involved in the state wrestling title when he was asked, “Gilmer County won a state wrestling title?”

Fox says he replied, “No, they won two.”

Gilmer Wrestler, Thomas Chastain speaks to the Commissioners about the wrestling program and what it means to him.

Gilmer Wrestler, Thomas Chastain speaks to the Commissioners about the wrestling program and what it means to him.

No less emotion came to the Commissioners Regular Meeting when coaches returned with part of the wrestling team. This time, though, it wasn’t parents or coaches to share what the program meant. It was a wrestler, Thomas Chastain, who stood before the Commissioners saying, “It helps everybody grow as a team. Most people don’t think wrestling is a team sport, but it is because you all have to work together to get a team score to get first. Not just one person can get first in duals.”

Addressing the request for a sign calling Gilmer the capital, Post Commissioner Travis Crouch said the state would only give the county one state-level recognized “capital” sign. Though that didn’t stop the board from planning to seek state-level recognition without the sign.

Additionally, Crouch brought up an older discussion that the county seek a county-owned sign at the line recognizing the Wrestling Capital among other things.

Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris noted that an electronic sign of substantially larger size than requested was something the county could feasibly look at next year as they move forward seeking the state’s recognition as well. Engaging in talks with Speaker Ralston, they hope to have the item in the legislative session early next year.

In the last few moments of discussion during their regular meeting, one of the coaches offered his deepest thanks to the commissioners for listening and for what they do.

Paris responded by saying, “This is not so much something that we are doing as it is something that ya’ll have earned.”

And with that, an unanimous decision was made to move forward with both options.

 

Election Results for Gilmer County

Election, Politics

The votes have tallied and the results delivered. While some races will receive their final decisions today, others are simply looking on to July for the next round. Meanwhile, citizens look for answers as they study tonight’s results. In a remarkably low voter turn out, many of the races received  over a third of their votes from absentee and mail in votes.

 

Check out the precincts here and the totals below.
(Click on images to enlarge)

 

GilmerPrecinct1

GilmerPrecinct2

 

 

 

Gilmer Totals

7th District State Representative Candidates on FYN’s Candidate Day

Election, Politics

Sam Snider and David Ralston speak on FYN’s Candidate Day for the citizens on the eve of the election day.

https://youtu.be/GwQaFwuXbK8

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce Primary Candidate Forum, Magistrate Judge, School Board, Tax Commissioner, GA House of Rep District 7, GA Senate Dist 51, Fannin Commission Chairman and Sheriff

Politics

Scroll down to watch video of the forum.

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Primary Candidate Forum.

Cynthia Panter, Chairman Fannin County Chamber Board.

Rob Kaser, Co-Moderator

Fannin County Magistrate Judge

Sherri Walker (I) NP

Dannette Davis  NP

Brian D. Jones  NP

Fannin County School Board

Jeremy Davis  R

Clarence Junior Farmer  R

Chad Galloway   R

Fannin County Tax Commissioner

Shirley Sosebee (I) R

Marie Woody R

Georgia House of Representatives District 7

Speaker David Ralston (I) R

Sam Snider  R

Georgia Senate District 51

Senator Steve Gooch (I) R

Fannin County Commission Chairman

Bill Simonds (I) R

Stan Helton  R

Fannin County Sheriff

Dane Kirby (I) R

Larry Bennett Sr.  R

Johnny Scearce  R

Jack Taylor  R

Rusty Whittenbarger  D

https://youtu.be/dps2DZ7CYZs

Fannin County GOP/Republican Meeting 3/21/16

Politics
Former 10th. District Congressman Paul Broun. Broun is running in the 9th. District Congressional Race.

Former 10th. District Congressman Paul Broun. Broun is running in the 9th. District Congressional Race.

John Williamson Candidate for State Senate District 51

John Williamson Candidate for State Senate District 51

Sam Snider Candidate for Georgia House District 7

Sam Snider Candidate for Georgia House District 7

https://youtu.be/0msfw3hUxys

2015 GHS Gramby Camp

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling program hosted its annual Gramby middle school and high school wrestlers interested in learning and or improving the Gramby technique so prevalent throughout the Gilmer wrestling program. Head coach, Sam Snider, spoke about the camp itself, the experience he has shared and garnered through other head coaches in attendance, as well as the expectations for the upcoming Bobcats’ season and where the “Cats” compare on the national level. The full interview can viewed below. (more…)

Sam Snider Banner Dedication

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

Gilmer High School head wrestling coach, Sam Snider, along with his 2014-15 team, was honored with a banner placed on the Noah Harris Center during a brief ceremony at the school. Principal, Eric McFee emceed the ceremony that saw administrators, students, and the band recognized Snider’s 500+ wins, 15 state Championships and 26 individual champions. The ceremony as well as an interview with Snider can be both viewed below. (more…)

Bobcats Beat Back Competition Win 14th State Championship Title

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team recently completed a sweep of the State Duals Tournament in route to 14th State Championship. The “Cats” clobbered the competition winning by a combined 151 points in the tournament for an average margin of victory of 38. The Finals featured an Area 7-AAAA Duals Finals rematch, as Gilmer again faced Northwest Whitfield, bashing the Bruins 52-13. (more…)

Bobcats Retain Area Duals Title: Snider One Away from 500 Club

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team hosted the 2015 Area 7-AAAA Duals Tournament. The Bobcats the defending AAAA Duals and Traditional Champions, looked to defend the Area Tournament Championship as well as secure a place in the State Duals Tournament. The top two teams from each Area attend the State Tournament. Gilmer successfully navigated the tournament unscathed, defending the Area Championship with a 69-11 Finals win over Northwest Whitfield. The win was the 499th of head coach, Sam Snider’s, career and cemented a number one seed at the State Tournament. The Bobcats also secured the number one overall seed in AAAA. (more…)

Exclusive Sam Snider Interview Before Area 7-AAAA Duals Tournament

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

Gilmer High School Bobcats head wrestling coach, Sam Snider, discussed the 2015 team and its chances of defending the AAAA State Duals and Traditionals Championships. Snider spoke of bout the challenges of a young team, the Bobcats have two seniors this year, and the upcoming. Area 7-AAAA Duals Tournament. (more…)

Seniors Honored on Senior Night

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team, honored its two seniors Will Gudger and Jaime Lopez. After a brief ceremony, the Bobcats then bested the Fannin Rebels, 63-12, the Northwest Whitfield Bruins 50-18 and the Calhoun Yellow Jackets 62-0. (more…)

Gilmer High School Wrestling Update

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team most recently competed at the Etowah Duals, finishing second after a third place finish at the Allatoona Duals, in both tournaments the Bobcats suffered one loss, to Woodland High School, only the first and second time Gilmer has succumbed to Woodland in during head coach, Sam Snider’s, tenor. The Junior Varsity team won the Etowah Duals going 5-1 on the day and finishing with a 60-15 win in the finals. (more…)

2014 Gilmer High School Wrestling Banquet

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats Wrestling team held its annual end of the year banquet to honor seniors and superlatives. The 2014 GHS class won seven of a possible eight state titles, with one runner up finish. The 2013-14 season saw the Bobcats win its 12th and 13th state titles, in both the Duals and Traditional Tournaments. Head coach, Sam Snider, spoke repeatedly of the uncanniness of the Bobcats’ dominance, as he reminded those in attendance that, “that just doesn’t happen.” (more…)

“Cats” Claim 13th

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team won its 13th state championship since 2005 with a dominate performance at the State Traditional Tournament held at West Laurens High School in Dexter Ga. The Bobcats finished with four individual champions, five finalists and eight place winners. The “Cats” claimed the title with 191, besting rivals Cass and Alexander who finished second and third by 31 and 47 points respectively. (more…)

“Cats” Claim Dirty Dozen

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team can claim 12 “Cats” going to the State Traditional Tournament, which decides the state champions for each weight class. The “Cats” took 13 wrestlers to the Sectionals Tournament, which decides participation and seeding in the State Tournament. The top eight place winners at Sectionals move on to the State Tournament. The “Cats” had 12 wrestlers make the top eight, and one ninth place finish, which is the first alternate if an injury happens. (more…)

“Cats” Crash Cass’ Company

Featured Stories, Team FYN Sports

The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling team traveled to Cass High School to take part in the Area 8-AAAA Traditional Tournament, the first step in making the State Traditional Tournament, which decided the state champion for each individual weight class. The Bobcats won the tournament with 276.5 points, and more importantly will take 12 wrestlers to the Sectionals Tournament, with a chance to move on to the State Traditional Tournament, where GHS will be looking for a its 13th wrestling state championship. (more…)

Back to Top