The GHSA brought high school wrestling teams from all over Georgia to the Macon Colliseum for the State Duals Championships. With classifications from 1A through 7A, each team leaving all they had on the mat. It was no different for our hometown Bobcats.
The Gilmer wrestlers packed their gear for 3 days of intense competition as the hearts and minds of these athletes were set on the number 18. Coming in as the #1 seed in 4A, Gilmer hit the mat early Thursday morning against the Cairo Syrupmakers. The Cats pulled away for a dominating 60-17 win to advance to the second round. The boys of Gilmer once again battled hard and with a 44-22 victory found themselves in the 3rd round Semi-finals and one step closer to achieving their goal. The next opponent for Coach Ghobadpoor and the Cats proved to be the strongest up to this point in the tournament. Central Carrollton gave Gilmer all they wanted just weeks before as they fought all the way to the end. Gilmer took the victory on the last minute pin in the last match. Friday’s matches proved to be just as exciting as it came down once again to the final weight class. Forrest Todd stepped up to seal the deal with a pin and confirm that the Bobcats would wrestle in the Finals for the opportunity for the coveted #18.
The last competitor to take the mat to face Gilmer was the Woodward Academy Eagles. Starting at the 182 weight class, both teams came in fierce and that continued throughout. The score was ever changing as the Eagles would stretch a lead and the Bobcats would fight back to get within striking distance. At the end amongst tears and heartbreak, the Bobcats fell short of their dream for 18 by just 4 points to a good Woodward team with a score of 37-33 and earn the 4A State Runner-up. The sadness in the hearts of the Bobcat seniors will live on as their focus will now turn to preparing for the Traditional State Tournament at the beginning of February. This reporter is proud to have the honor to know these guys and look forward to following them as they work toward the individual goals they have set for themselves. “Finish The Drill”