Gilmer Wrestling Banquet: FYN Exclusive Video

The Gilmer High School wrestling team held its annual wrestling banquet. Students, parents, coaches and guests were treated to a covered dish, buffet style Italian themed feast before the festivities began.Coach Sam Snyder emceed the event, with help from his assistant coaches, David Henson and Jerry Barnes, both recipients of the Region 7AAA Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

The banquet began with Snider announcing the plans for the summer camps and workouts, before acknowledging a plethora of individuals important to the program, from athletic trainer, Mike Darnell, to coach Snyder’s parents.

Coach Barnes gave the first speech of the night, when he spoke on the value of senior leadership, as well as his own driving of his son, Hunter. His speech touched on the foundation that senior leadership provides to those underclassmen who matriculate afterwards.

The seniors were then collectively honored. Coach Henson then spoke about servant leadership and how leaders lead by action more than words.

Justin Carr was honored with the Take Down Award, given to the wrestler with the most take downs. Carr had 114. Joshua Harrison won Most Improved. Cameron Perry, who finished second in the state at the 103 weight class, won the Top Freshman Scorer Award. He had 358 team points. The Top Sophomore Scorer Award went to Brady “The Hammer” McCollum. He accumulated 269 ½ points. The Top Junior Scorer Award went to Justin Carr. He finished with 354 ½ points. James Longino won the Top Senior Scorer Award.

The State place winners were then recognized. Sixth place finishers were Johnie Flakes and Trevor Martin, and James Longino, who was hurt in the first round of the state tournament. Tyler Davenport finished fourth. Ian Smith, Justin Carr, and Cameron Perry finished second. Hunter Barnes finished first with a 48-0 record, with 45 pins, 37 of which were in the first period. He was also the recipient of the Sean Hage Award, given to the best wrestler in the state. Barnes will continue his wrestling career at UTC. He was also named the team MVP.

Barnes then proceeded to give an empassioned speech about his dear friend and practice partner, James Longino. He spoke of how pained he was when Logino suffered injury in the state tournament, and how he would have traded his own title for Logino to win one. Dry eyes were hard to find.

The Noah Harris Commitment to Excellence Awards, given to the senior and underclassmen with the top G.P.A., went to Periogo and Joey Ray.

After the 2011 highlight film was presented, the each member of the team was presented with his state championship patch and plaque. Perigo led the seniors in prayer, as the underclassmen stood below the stage. After Bridgette Perigo, mother of Joshua and leader of the booster club, presented the wresting team’s managers with salon gift certificates, Coach Snider gave his closing remarks and the night came to a close.

Wrestling Banquet Thank You from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet Senior Leadership from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet: The rest of the story from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet: Senior Recognition from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet: Servant Leadership 2 from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet: Team Awards from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet: Awards Continued from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet: MVP from Fetch on Vimeo.

Wrestling Banquet: Brotherly Love from Fetch on Vimeo.