Bobcats Take Region Duals-Advance To State
Team FYN Sports January 13, 2019The Gilmer Bobcats Wrestling team traveled to Heritage High School on Saturday for the 6AAAA Regin Duals. Schools attending all brought strong wrestling programs and all vyed to finish in the top two and earn a trip to the GHSA State Duals in Macon, Ga. starting on the 17th and running through the 19th.
Gilmer started the day with a 1st round bye giving them an 11:30 matchup with their rival Pickens County. The Bobcats dominated the Dragons with a 60-10 victory to move forward in the brackets to the championship finals. Coach Ghobadpoor was happy to get the win in round 2 but suffered a big loss for his team. A very strong competitor in Lucas Lopez for the Bobcats suffered what could possibly be a season-ending injury during his 132 lb. match with the Dragons. As good teams do, the Bobcats “Finished the Drill” and prepared themselves for the challenge ahead. The final competitors of the day were the Panthers of Ridgeland High School. In what turned out to be the toughest match, the Bobcats once again showed why they are one of the best if not the best in the state. With a final score of 41-22 Gilmer came out on top to bring the Region Duals Championship home where it belonged. The Bobcats are headed to the State Duals in Macon next week and continue their fight for Number 18. Best of Luck to the Bobcats and Prayers go to Lucas Lopez for a quick and complete recovery from his injury.
Bobcats Take Runner-up In Macon
Team FYN Sports January 21, 2019The 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”
Gilmer Wins Wrestling Region
Team FYN Sports February 6, 2019The Bobcats hosted the 6AAAA Traditional region tournament on Saturday, February 2nd at the Cage of Gilmer High School. Individual athletes from Pickens, Heritage, SE Whitfield, NW Whitfield, LaFayette, and Ridgeland competed for the opportunity to move on to GHSA Sectionals and a chance at a Georgia State Championship.
In yet another exhibition of the talent of the Gilmer Wrestling program, the Bobcats sent fourteen athletes to the mats with twelve earning the trip to sectionals this weekend at Woodward Academy in College Park, GA. The hard work and dedication put in from not only the team but the coaching staff as well has proven to be paying off, Of the fourteen that took the mat for Gilmer, twelve are heading to this weekend’s competition held in the metro area. The Cats finished the day with 2 region champs, 4 runner-ups, 5 third place, 1 fourth place, and 2 fifth place finishers. These outstanding results set up the Bobcats for a great weekend at Woodward Academy. Best of Luck to all Sectional participants and GO BOBCATS!!
Bobcat Wrestling Recognizes Seniors
Team FYN Sports January 1, 2019On a day that had 13 schools represented on the mats, the Gilmer Bobcats had dominating wins over Fannin, Union, and Chestatee to earn their way into the Finals. Facing a tough team in Central Carrollton, Gilmer fought hard in the end to take the overall championship. The Bobcats also recognized eleven Seniors who have dedicated themselves to continuing the tradition of a winning program.
Rudy Andres competes at 132 lb. weight class. Andres has wrestled for four years and his favorite move is the High-C. The favorite memory in the career for Andres is the bus rides to and from the matches with his teammates. His friends and coaches have influenced him the most to push himself to be a better person. After graduation, Andres plans to begin full-time work.
Pascual Bautista wrestles in the 113 lb. weight class. He has been a part of the team for 3 years with the sweep being his favorite technique to do in a match. Favorite memory would be going to State tournament in Macon. Bautista says that Coach Josh Ghobadpoor has influenced him the most. After graduation from Gilmer High School, he plans to attend Technical school.
Taylor Brogdon competes at the 195 lb. weight class and has wrestled for five years. Brogdon’s favorite wrestling move is the front headlock. His favorite memory of his wrestling career is being able to have a family bond. One thing that has impacted his life is when people tell him that he can’t do something. It only takes hard work to accomplish something. When Taylor graduates, he plans to attend college and obtain a Bussiness Degree. Hw was escorted by parents Alex and Renee and also his sister Skyler.
Thomas Chastain wrestles in the 145 lb. weight class. He has competed in wrestling for seven years and his favorite move is the High-C. His favorite memories of his wrestling career are pinning Caleb Waddell and Coach Ghobadpoor daily in practice. The people that have influenced him the most are the people in his life that have shaped him into who he is today. After graduating high school, Chastain plans to attend the University of North Georgia with hopes of owning his own business one day. Chastain was escorted by his parents, Randy and Ann Chastain with his sister Renae Chastain.
Edgar Jacinta competes in the 152 lb. weight class and has competed for three years. The favorite wrestling move of Jacinta is the front headlock. Competing at the State Duals is the favorite memory of his high school wrestling career. Coach Berry and Coach Ghobadpoor are the people who have influenced him the most. Jacinta was escorted by his parents, Miguel Jacinta and Rosa Loraca.
Javier Jacinta-Domingo wrestles in the 145 lb. weight class. Javier has wrestled for five years with his favorite move being the High-C. His favorite memory of his career is being able to pig out after tournaments. Those influencing him the most are the coaches, his friends, and his family. After graduation, he plans to attend college. Javier was escorted by his parents, Andres Domingo and Micaela Jacinto.
Alex Repetun competes in the 152 lb. weight class. Alex has wrestled for five years with his favorite move on the mat being the Russian. Winning his first tournament as a Senior is his favorite memory of his wrestling career. The Coaches, teammates, and his family have influenced him the most. After graduation, Repetun plans to attend Middle Georgia State University and enroll in the Aviation program. He was escorted by his mom and step-dad, Nataliia Repetun and Michael Thomas, as well as Katerina Repetun(sister).
Hoyt Stover comes in as a part of the 138 lb. weight class. Stover has participated in wrestling for six years with the Bobcat Pick being his favorite move. His favorite memory of his wrestling career is getting to eat after weigh-ins. The family of Stover has been the most influential in his life. After graduation, Stover plans to attend college to pursue a degree in Digital Arts and become a professional eater. Stover was escorted by his parents, Buster and Vickie Stover.
Forrest Todd wrestles in the 160 lb. weight class and has been wrestling for two years. His favorite wrestling move is the Blast Double. Todd’s favorite career memory is competing in the State Duals. Coach Berry and Coach Ghobadpoor have been the most influential. After graduating, Todd plans to attend either UNG or a trade school. Forrest was escorted by his parents, Chris and Ann Todd.
Candelaria Velasquez competes at the 106 lb. weight class and has wrestled for 1 year. Her favorite memory is every single moment she had with her team, whether at practice or at a tournament. The entire team and coaches have influenced Velasquez the most. She wants to attend UNG or Wingate University to earn both and Associates and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
Daniel Velasquez competes in the 160 lb. weight class. He has competed in wrestling for three years with the Front Headlock being his favorite move. The favorite memory for Velasquez is pinning studs. The people who have influenced him the most are the past and present Senior Captains. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio. He was escorted by his dad, Julio Velasquez Perez.
Congratulations to all the Bobcat Seniors!!
Gilmer Granby Camp Draws 145
Team FYN Sports June 9, 2016The Gilmer Bobcat Wrestling Club hosted a Granby Wrestling Camp at Gilmer Middle School Monday-Wednesday.
An estimated 145 grapplers from numerous counties around the state (including 55 from Gilmer) turned out for instruction from Gilmer wrestlers and coaches alike, on the basic techniques to the sport.
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Parker Becomes Second Gilmer Grappler to Sign with Reinhardt
GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports May 11, 2016The first time Reinhardt University assembles a wrestling team, it will have two Gilmer High School Bobcats in its midst.
After Keegan Sharpe signed two weeks ago, Jake Parker signed on the dotted line to throw on an Eagles singlet yesterday.
“It’s really exciting, going into a first-year program,” Parker said. “Someone came in and gave the money to the university and said, ‘Start a wrestling program.’ So they went out and got a Division I coach, Jeff Bedard. He’s an all-around great guy and demands the best from his athletes.”
Parker also played football and baseball for the Bobcats, leaving the diamond his sophomore year but sticking with football as an tight end, fullback and noseguard for GHS through his senior campaign. He started wrestling in eighth grade, under the guidance of Clear Creek Middle School coach Walt Monroe. He picked wrestling as his post-high school pursuit, for a unique reason.
“I played tight end (and I’m) about three inches too short and 3/10 of a second too slow,” Parker chuckled. “Coach Monroe and Coach (Doug) Haynes really helped me prosper over the years. They did a Freestyle and Greco-Roman camp during the summer, which really helped me.”
Brewton-Parker and New Mexico Highlands also offered Parker wrestling scholarships, but he stuck with Reinhardt because of his excitement for the upstart program they are offering.
“The things I’ll be able to do there mean a lot, plus I’ll be close to my family,” Parker admitted.
A long list of people are on Parker’s mind, in regards to those that helped him reach the pinnacle of signing a college wrestling scholarship.
“Matthew Waddell and Levi Seabolt, for beating me to death in practice. It definitely made me better over the years.” Parker laughed. “Of course, my family. John Croft, my grandfather. My mother, Christy Croft. My aunt and uncle, Brenda and Dwight Newton. My coaches, the Sniders (Josh and Sam), Coach (Casey)Wingard, Coach (Greg) Wingo, Coach Monroe and Coach Haynes, for all they’ve done for me.”
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Bobcat Wrestling Dominates Freestyle, Greco Competition at Milton
Team FYN Sports May 4, 2016A wrestling season never truly ends.
The Gilmer Bobcat Wrestling Club proved this statement to be true, as it took part in the Milton Freestyle and Greco-Roman tournament last Saturday.
In the freestyle competition, Abel Jacinto (Novice/Schoolboy, 160-165-pound weight class), Samuel Tercero (Novice/Schoolboy 190-210) and Matthew Waddell (Cadet/Junior 182) captured first place in their respective brackets. Julio Tercero (Novice/Schoolboy, 190-210) and Caleb Waddell (Cadet, 126) finished second, while Diego Jacinto (Novice, 112), Lucas Lopez (Schoolboy, 120) and Miguel Loarca (Schoolboy 105) placed third. Michael Owens (Cadet, 145) rounded out the Bobcat placers in Freestyle by finishing fourth.
Dylan Galloway (Novice, 140), Abel Jacinto, Samuel Tercero and Matthew Waddell garnered first place in the Greco-Roman competition. Bryer Disher (Novice, 140), Julio Tercero and Loarca placed second, while Diego Jacinto and Brock Sumner (Schoolboy, 128) took third place. Lopez clinched fourth place to finish out the Gilmer Greco-Roman placers.
“This was our first Freestyle and Greco tournament of the year,” said Bobcat Wrestling Club coach Walt Monroe. “We wrestled well for our first tournament. We have several wrestlers participating for the first time in these styles and it takes some adjustments from the scholastic season. There are many similarities to freestyle and folkstyle, but there are also significant differences that affect scoring. It is a learning process but ultimately these wrestlers improve immensely by participating.”
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Davis, Patterson, Perez, Sharpe Sign College Scholarships
GHS Softball, GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports April 29, 2016Four more Gilmer High School athletes signed college scholarships yesterday morning, as Chancey Davis, Lucas Patterson, Alberto Perez and Keegan Sharpe put their respective names on the dotted line during a ceremony in the GHS Theatre.
Davis
The West Georgia Technical College Lady Golden Knights, located in Carrollton and a member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, will be receiving Chancey Davis on their softball team.
“This is one of the things I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Davis said. “When I was a freshman, I never thought I’d be signing somewhere. It’s very surreal, but exciting.”
In addition to being a softball player for 11 years, Davis has also dabbled in tennis, soccer and basketball. She has received numerous accolades during her tenure as a GHS Lady Cat. She was named the 2013 Miss GHS Tennis, the 2014 Most Versatile Award for GHS tennis, a 2015 Region 7-AAAA Honorable Mention for softball and received the 2015 Lady Cat award for softball.
Asbury University and Georgia Highlands College also attempted to recruit Davis, but the decision to sign with the Lady Knights came after a major shift in direction for a school that had already offered Davis a scholarship.
“I was committed to the University of Pikeville, but their coach left and after she notified me, nobody from the college would really tell me if my offer stood,” Davis explained. “I decided that it must be a sign that I shouldn’t go there. I talked to Coach (Monica) Mills a few days after that and she gave me an opportunity to come to a camp. She liked my skills and gave me an offer.”
Davis also listed a lot of people that helped her reach the pinnacle of signing a college scholarship.
“There’s a lot of people,” Davis admitted. “My high school coaches, Kim and Al Charles, Amy Nunn and Scott Kiser. My travel coach, Evan Johnson and my hitting coach, Katravo Dew. My strength and conditioning coaches, Mark Woodring and Nate Wingard. My friends, my teachers, my teammates and Coach Mills for giving me the opportunity. I also want to thank my family, for always supporting me.”
Patterson
Life University, a private National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I school in Marietta, will welcome Lucas Patterson to the Running Eagles wrestling team.
“It’s a happy day, but it’s a sad day at the same time,” Patterson admitted. “I’m excited about wrestling for the team.”
Patterson started his grappling at Clear Creek Middle School in seventh grade. During his career at GHS, Patterson captured the 132-pound state championship twice in Region 7-AAAA and received the Drill Partner, Team Captain and MVP awards as a part of the Bobcat wrestling regime.
It was during a national tournament qualifier his sophomore year that Patterson met Life University officials, who expressed interest and retained it for the next two years. Patterson also wanted to thank those that helped get him garner a college scholarship.
“I’d like to thank Coaches Walt Monroe and Bo Dorsey, for getting me into wrestling,” Patterson said. “The Snider coaches, for helping push me throughout high school to do my best. (Ron) Gorman, for looking at me this whole time and helping me out.
Perez
Alberto Perez will head to Franklin Springs to wrestle for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Emmanuel College Lions.
“I feel very excited and accomplished,” Perez boasted. “It’s a very good day for me.”
Aside from wrestling, Perez has also played soccer and football. At 120 pounds, Perez is also a two-time state wrestling champion for GHS. He also received the Takedown Award from the Bobcats.
Perez received several offers from NAIA schools, but he went with Emmanuel College because of its promixity to Ellijay.
“Emmanuel was the best fit for me,” Perez explained. “They have a really good wrestling program. They won the (Division II) National Championship during this, their first year of having a team. So, I wanted to wrestle for the best.”
Perez also expressed appreciation to the select group that helped him obtain the scholarship.
“I’d like to thank my parents and my coaches, for helping me get there, plus my drilling partners and teammates,” Perez concluded.
Sharpe
The first year that the Waleska-based Reinhardt University Eagles compiles a wrestling team, GHS will contribute Keegan Sharpe to the program.
“I’m very excited,” Sharpe said. “I look at a few colleges and I thought Reinhardt was the best. It’s close to Ellijay, plus I can drive back to go to church with my family. I felt like, with them making a new wrestling team, it was the perfect opportunity to join them and pursue wrestling like I have for the past seven years.”
In addition to wrestling, Sharpe has received a black belt in karate from Ben Kiker at United Karate Studios in Ellijay. The two overlapped once he started wrestling in sixth grade and after receiving the black belt, Sharpe focused his energy on wrestling. The dedication paid off, as Sharpe has been a two-time state placer at 145 pounds for Gilmer and received the Drill Partner, I Do What I Can (IDWIC) and Team Captain awards from the Bobcats.
Sharpe also listed people in his life that helped him reach the point of receiving a college scholarship.
“I’d like to thank all my coaches, Coach Monroe, Randy Haynes, Kyle Barr, Dorsey, Wingard, Wingo and the Snider’s,” Sharpe said. “My personal trainer, Mark Woodring, who helped prepare me for my 11th and 12th-grade year. I’d like to thank my girlfriend (Kylie Duggan), because she keeps me straight. She encouraged me to go to college and encourages me to do good things. I’d also like to thank my parents, because they’ve made me the person I am.”
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Gilmer Bobcats Celebrate Banner Year
GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports April 13, 2016The Gilmer High School Bobcats wrestling squad officially ended its season last night, with an awards banquet at First Baptist Church in Ellijay.
GHS captured its 15th state duals championship during the 2015-16 season and of the six Bobcats that placed at the state traditional tournament, four clinched the crown of state champion in Gilmer’s eventual state championship crown.
After a catered meal from Bigun’s Barbeque, every Gilmer grappler received participation awards. Coaches Sam Snider, Josh Snider, Greg Wingo and Casey Wingard each summarized the accomplishments of the season as the banquet progressed. Following the individual awards, a highlight reel concluded the ceremony.
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Goodwin, Cash, Sullens Capture State Championships
Team FYN Sports March 8, 2016Fifty-five qualified grapplers from around North Georgia traveled to Perry last Saturday for the 2016 Georgia Little/Big Kid’s State Tournament.
Upon the conclusion of the tournament at Reaves Arena, 14 North Georgia wrestlers took home either a state title or state placement bragging rights.
Of the 28 Gilmer Bobcats that made the journey to Perry, seven left with state recognition.
In the 6U division, Isaiah Goodwin (65 pounds) captured a state championship, while Bryson Shore (37) placed second. The 8U bracket saw Hayden Berry (68) take third.
Jacob Cruz (160) finished second in the 12U bracket, while Samuel Tercero (205) placed third and fellow 205-pounder Adan Cook took fourth. Finally, the 14U division featured Caleb Waddell (120) taking third place.
The 12U Bobcats won the age bracket outright, with 53 team points and placed 10th overall at state, with a combined 159.5 team points.
“We definitely had some up and down moments in this tournament, from tough losses to some quality wins,” said Gilmer Bobcat Wrestling Club coach Walt Monroe. “Yet, our boys wrestled so well, overall. This tournament is so tough, in the full 16-man brackets. There are no classifications that divide the competitors. The coaching staff emphasized all week how each win meant points for our team and to fight hard in each match. It seems our wrestlers took that to heart, as many came away with wins, even if they didn’t place. We are so proud of the team effort. This was one of our best finishes as an entire program and we are very thankful and proud for each of these young wrestlers.”
Four out of the 12 Lumpkin County Wrestling Club grapplers at state garnered state recognition. 10U Cayden Cash (120) and 12U Devin Sullens (180) captured state championships. 12U Brent Canupp (140) and 12U Bradley Newton (140) placed, with third and fourth-place respective finishes in their brackets.
Culled from the six White County Takedown wrestlers that placed at state are 6U Jack Procter (43) and 8U Jacobi Cobbs (42), with respective third and fourth-place finishes in their brackets, as well.
Eight members of the Dragons Junior Wrestling Club also ventured to Perry, with 8U Philip Jax (60) being the lone state placer, by taking second place in his age group.
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Bobcats, Indians, Dragons, Warriors, Rebels All Set for State
Team FYN Sports March 1, 2016Following one of the five state qualifiers, which were held last Saturday at Gilmer High School, 55 grapplers from Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, White and Fannin counties are ready for the 2015-16 Georgia Little/Big Kid’s State Tournament.
The Gilmer Bobcat Wrestling Club will be taking 28 participants to state. In the 6U bracket will be Bryson Shore (37 pounds) and Isaiah Goodwin (65). 8U Bobcats will be Hayden Berry (68) and Cooper Cochran (79). The 10U Gilmer contingent will be Carson Farist (61), Nolyn Weaver (70) and Angelo Spadaro (91).
In the 12U bracket, Arturo Gonzalez (69), Kellen Watts (77), Gabe Reimer (90), Joseph Sanford (112), Dylan Galloway (140), Vincent Zilke (150), Jacob Cruz (160), Dawson Stephens (160), Owen Moss (180), Adan Cook (205) and Samuel Tercero (205) will be making the trip to state. The 14U Bobcats that will be at state are Tristian Kendall (90), Logan Bentley (95), David Reynoso (105), Lucas Lopez (110), Caleb Waddell (120), Jose Velasquez (125), Michael Owens (135), Abel Jacinto (160), Logan Hawthorne (170) and Luke Morgan (190).
The Lumpkin County Wrestling Club is taking 12 Indians to the state tournament. In the 6U bracket will be Caleb Yorkey (55) and Nate Grizzle (60). Jack Irwin (81), Zack Dooley (112), Brent Canupp (140), Bradley Newton (140) and Kobe Canupp (160) will be the 12U Lumpkin wrestlers, while Camden Cash (80), Avery Mills (130), Nolan Wheeler (130), Samuel Irwin (135) and Aaron Hopkins (170) will be the Indians in the 14U bracket.
The Dragons Junior Wrestling Club will take 8U grapplers Philip Jax (60), Raymond Mullins (73) and Brandon Stone (79) to state. Cason Cannon (76), Dominic Fiorenza (76), Cruz Marinelli (84) will represent Pickens in the 10U bracket, while Nathaniel Grace (115) and Dalton Brunner (160) will navigate through the 14U bracket.
The White County Takedown Club qualified six Warriors for state. Caden Mathis and Jack Procter (both at 43 pounds) will be in the 6U bracket. Jacobi Cobbs (42) qualified in the 8U bracket, while Davin Lightsey (61) heads to state in the 10U bracket. Hunter Adams (130) will be the 12U Warrior at state, while Sean Wurtz (120) rounded out the White County qualifiers by making it to state in the 14U bracket.
The lone Fannin Rebel that will be at state is 12U Nathan Anderson (90).
The 2015-16 Georgia Little/Big Kid’s State Tournament will conclude the USA Wrestling season and will be held at the Reaves Arena in Perry.
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Bobcats, Dragons Crown State Wrestling Champions
GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports February 15, 2016Another year, another state championship.
The Gilmer High School Bobcats laid claim to another state traditional championship last weekend, after grinding through the three-day 2016 Georgia High School Association tournament at the Infinite Energy Arena in Duluth.
GHS won the 4A state crown by accumulating 152.5 team points to topple the 46-team field, finishing nine and a half points ahead of the North Hall Trojans.
Winning individual state titles for the Bobcats were Alberto Perez (120 pounds), Lucas Patterson (132), Matthew Waddell (182) and Levi Seabolt (285).
Perez downed Evan Stokes of West Laurens by technical fall, 19-4, in the first round, bested Josh Ravenel of Monroe Area by major decision, 14-3 in the quarterfinals, toppled Augie Rodriguez of Locust Grove by major decision, 17-8, in the semifinals and defeated Cody Bond of Madison County in the championship finals, 5-4.
Patterson pinned Josh Swope of Walnut Grove in the first round, then pinned Tucker Witmer of Woodward in the quarterfinals and Bimysola Attobra of Lithonia in the semifinals. His only decision came in the championship finals, where he bested Jacob Mariakis of Ridgeland 3-2.
Waddell pinned Will Foster of Hampton, Matthew Cromer of Cairo and Tyler Mobley of Locust Grove to advance to the finals. In the championship bout, he emerged with a 6-4 overtime victory over Isaiah Hale of North Hall.
Seabolt pinned his first two opponents, Brandon Dixon of New Hampstead and Tanner Nance of Heritage-Catoosa. His final two victories came by virtue of a major decision, 9-1, over Joseph Horne of West Laurens and a 4-1 championship victory over Hudson Newton of Troup.
Keegan Sharpe (145) placed third in the state in his weight class, while Ethan Teague (138) took fifth place. Also competing for Gilmer at the tournament was Dan Puac (106), Trevor Preece (126), Grant Ledford (152), Jordan Caviness (160), Jake Parker (170) and Ryan Crump (195).
Dragons, Rebels leave mark on state
The Pickens Dragons finished 19th in the state, with 31 team points, but crowned a state champion in the process.
Koby Milner (106) won his second state championship for Pickens. To win the title, he pinned Tarique Gilmore of Lithonia, Jared Herrera of West Laurens and Ricardo Romero of Locust Grove. The championship finals saw Milner win the state crown with a 6-4 overtime victory over Logan Ashton of Buford.
Joseph Ferguson (152), Kelton Gilbert (170) and Joe Massey (195) also competed for the Dragons.
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‘Bobcat Brawl’ Takes Over Clear Creek Middle School
Team FYN Sports February 8, 2016The Gilmer Bobcat Wrestling Club hosted the 2016 “Bobcat Brawl” last Saturday at Clear Creek Middle School.
Gilmer made the biggest impact on the event, with a total of 71 wrestlers entering the tournament for the Bobcats.
First-place finishers for Gilmer were 6U Isaiah Goodwin (60-65 pounds), 8U Hayden Berry (65), Nolyn Weaver (10U 70-75), 12U Ethan Cole (60-65), 12U Gabe Reimer (85-90), Jacob Cruz (165), 14U Arturo Gonzalez (70), 14U Tristian Christian-Kendall (84-91), 14U Logan Bentley (98), 14U Lucas Lopez (112), 14U Caleb Waddell (120), 14U Jose Velasquez (128), 14U Christian Cash (144) and 14U Dillon Early (265).
Securing second-place bragging rights were 10U Carson Farist (60), 10U Bregan Berry (65), 12U Miguel Loraca (100), 12U Diego Jacinto (105), 12U Dylan Galloway (140), 12U Dawson Stephens (165), 12U Adan Cook (190-215), 14U Nathan Byrd (84-91), 14U David Reynoso (105), 14U David Lucas (136), 14U Michael Owens (136 and 144), 14U Luke Morgan (175-190) and 14U Kenneth Belchez (265).
Third-place Bobcats were 6U Bryson Shore (40), 10U Angelo Spadaro (95-103), 12U Kellen Watts (75-80), 12U Cameron Goodwin (85-90), 12U William Lopez (100), 12U Joseph Sanford (112), 12U Bernardino Vicente (130), 12U Vincent Zilke (165), 12U Samuel Tercero (190-215), 14U Dylan Byrd (70), 14U Tristian Christian-Kendall (98), 14U Daegan Addington (112) and 14U David Lucas (144).
Garnering fourth-place for Gilmer was 8U Cooper Cochran (75), 10U Eduardo Gonzalez-Santos (87), 12U Tyler Kirkland (100), 12U Ronald Pierce (105), 12U Kobe Stonecipher (112), 12U Edgar Garcia (130), 12U Owen Moss (190-215), 14U Grayson Patterson (98), 14U Jonathan Wimpey (144), 14U Chad Weaver (152) and 14U Enrique Vicente (160).
Taking fifth-place for Gilmer was 10U Jaedyn Finley (70-75), 12U Grant Cochran (112), 12U Bryer Disher (140), 12U Austin Chastain (165), 14U John Gaines (120), 14U Kolby Smith (136), 14U Carlos Lopez (144), 14U Abel Jacinto (160), 14U Skylor Burke (175-190). Rounding out the crowded finishing pack was 12U Alex Smith (112) and 14U Bryson Sisson (136), who both placed sixth.
Pickens, Fannin tally nine combined placers
For the Dragons Junior Wrestling Club, 10U Cruz Marinelli (80) and 14U Dalton Brunner (160) both finished in third place. 12U Pierce Marinelli (85-90) took fourth place, while 6U Easton Collins (40) placed fifth.
The Fannin Rebel Wrestling team featured a second-place finish from 6U Reid Summers (40), third-place finishes for both 10U Blake Summers (60) and 14U McCay Turner (105), 14U Gabriel Summers (120) placing fourth and 10U Blake Summers (65) finishing in fifth place.
The next USA Wrestling event will be the Big Kid’s State Qualifying Tournament, to be held Feb. 27, also at CCMS.
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Gilmer, Pickens, Fannin to Send 18 to State
GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports February 8, 2016In the aftermath of the hectic sectionals tournaments that took place last Friday and Saturday, 18 combined representatives of the Gilmer Bobcats, Pickens Dragons and Fannin Rebels wrestling teams will converge on the state traditional tournament this week.
At the AAAA ‘B’ sectionals (one of only two AAAA sectionals in the state) at Gilmer High School, the hosting Bobcats qualified 12 wrestlers for the state tournament. Daniel Puac (106 pounds), Alberto Perez (120), Trevor Preece (126), Lucas Patterson (132), Ethan Teague (138), Keegan Sharpe (145), Grant Ledford (152), Jordan Caviness (160), Jake Parker (170), Matthew Waddell (182), Ryan Crump (195) and Levi Seabolt (285) all secured their spots at state with top-eight finishes at the sectionals. Gilmer will also be defending its AAAA state traditional championship at the tournament.
Pickens will send four Dragons to state. Koby Milner (106), Joseph Ferguson (152), Kelton Gilbert (170) and Joe Massey (195) each punched their respective tickets for the state tournament at GHS, as well.
Fannin traveled to Morgan County High School in Madison for the AAA sectionals. Following the excursion, the two qualifying Rebels are Justin Wheat (132) and Colton Carpenter (160).
The 2015-16 Georgia High School Association State Traditional Tournament will be held Thursday-Saturday, at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth.
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Bobcats, Dragons, Rebels Grapple Through Trojan War
Team FYN Sports February 2, 2016The Gilmer Bobcat Youth Wrestling Club traversed to North Hall last Saturday for the 2016 Trojan War.
Gilmer left the tournament with 27 placers, including two that won their weight class outright.
14U Lucas Lopez (110 pounds) and 14U Caleb Waddell (115) took home first-place bragging rights in their respective weight classes.
Second-place finishers were 8U Hayden Berry (64), 10U Carson Farist (61), 12U Arturo Gonzalez (69), 12U Jacob Cruz (160), 12U Samuel Tercero (205) and 14U Michael Owens (135). Third-place recognition went to 10U Bregan Berry (64), 14U Dylan Byrd (75), 14U Jose Velasquez (125), 14U Christian Cash (140), 14U Chad Weaver (150) and 14U Dillon Early (260).
Fourth-place finishers were 12U Ethan Cole (65), 12U Grant Cochran (112), 12U Dylan Galloway (140), 12U Dawson Stephens (160), 12U Adan Cook (205), 14U Tristian Kendall (95), 14U Grayson Patterson (100), 14U Abel Jacinto (160), 14U Luke Morgan (190). 12U Kellen Watts (77), 12U Austin Chastain (160), 14U Daegan Addington (115) and 14U Enrique Vicente (160) rounded out the Bobcats placers by taking the fifth slot in their respective weight classes.
“Overall, we wrestled well,” said coach Walt Monroe. “This is the toughest tournament we have been to. We faced some good competition, even in small brackets and round robin weight classes. Multiple times, every wrestler we had faced tough opponents. This is the reason we go to open tournaments. Ultimately, our students will face better competition that will make them better in the long run and prepare them for high school.”
Dragons, Rebels leave mark
The Dragons Junior Wrestling Club and Fannin Rebel Wrestling also left an impact on the tournament.
Dragon Landon Poole won both the 8U 60 and 64-pound weight classes. Rebel McCay Turner placed second in the 14U 100-pound weight class and third in the 14U 95, while Landon Galloway placed third in the 14U 85-90 weight class.
The Bobcats will host a USA tournament Saturday at Clear Creek Middle School, dubbed the “Bobcat Brawl.”
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Bobcats Qualify 13 for Sectionals
GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports February 1, 2016The Gilmer High School wrestling team parlayed their 16th state duals championship into a dominant performance at the 2015-16 Area 7AAAA Traditionals last Saturday at Pickens High School in Jasper.
Winning the traditional tournament outright was 120-pound Alberto Perez, Lucas Patterson (132 pounds), Ethan Teague (138), Keegan Sharpe (145), Jake Parker (170), Matthew Waddell (182) and Levi Seabolt (285).
Daniel Puac (106), Trevor Preece (126), Grant Ledford (152) and Ryan Crump each took second place in their respective weight class, while Jordan Caviness (160) finished in third place. Micah Young (220) rounded out the Bobcats qualifiers with a sixth-place finish in his bracket.
Gilmer will host the sectionals tournament Friday and Saturday.