On the strength of three champions, and an impressive 13 overall medalists, Christian Brothers of Memphis won its first TSSA D-II state traditional wrestling championship, outscoring runner-up and 2012 champ Father Ryan, 272-231.50.

Purple Wave champions are Elijah Oliver (113), Nick Gray (126) and Kaleb Baker (152).

Ryan had one champion in Mark Marchetti (145) and nine medalists.

McCallie placed third with 208.50 points and three champions, Baylor was fourth with 202 pts and a trio of winners, while Montgomery Bell Academy was fifth (two champs) with 162.50 points in the 18-team field.

McCallie champions were Alex Elsea (120), Adam Connell (132) and Nathan Hoodenpyle (182), while Baylor winners were Michael Murphy (106), Bryson Popp (160) and Ryan Parker (170).

"We've have had a great four-year run with these seniors with two duals titles and a traditional championship," said coach Chris Lewis.

"Winning this tournament takes a real team effort as your guys not in the finals need to medal and score as many points as possible."

And score the Purple Wave did.

Leading state defending champion Father Ryan by 30.5 points (218.50 -188) after the Friday night semifinals, the Purple Wave seniors made sure there was no possible way to be de-railed from their appointed task in the Saturday morning consolations.

Christian Brothers won a staggering 9-of-12 matches in the consolations as six wrestlers won their medal matches; three took third and another three won their fifth place matches. Those wins complemented the three firsts and four runner-up finishes. 

"We graduate a lot of talented seniors, but we have some strong young kids coming up so we will be back here next year ready to defend our title," Lewis stated.

Tip of the Cap: "Senior Barrett Walthall lost a tough semis match and could have mailed it in during the consolations, but he didn't and was out front during warm-ups Saturday morning telling his teammates that we needed as many points as possible," said coach Chris Lewis.

"That's the sign of a true leader and someone who puts the team well in front of his feelings no matter what the situation."

Walthall, who will wrestle at UTC in the fall, recorded a tech fall and pin in the consolations for third.

Best Match: 132 - Adam Connell (McCallie) dec. Brandon Brunner (Baylor), 5-2

Outstanding Wrestler: Kaleb Baker (Christian Brothers), three-time state champ

D-II Finals

106: No.1 Michael Murphy (Baylor, 9) dec.  No.2 Trey Chalifoux (Father Ryan, 9), 2-0

113: No.1 Elijah Oliver (Christian Brothers, 10) major dec. No.2 James Westbrooks (McCallie, 10), 17-7

120: No.1 Alex Elsea (McCallie, 12) pinned No.2 John Santi (Christian Brothers, 12), 3:37

126: No1 Nick Gray (Christian Brothers, 12) major dec. No.2 Hal Fisher (Father Ryan, 10), 9-0

132: No.1 Adam Connell (McCallie, 11) dec. No.2 Brandon Brunner (Baylor, 12) , 5-2 ... Tournament Best Match

138: vs. No.3 Pierce Olson (BGA, 12) dec. No.1 Patrick Cosgrove (Father Ryan, 12), 2-1... 

145: No.1 Mark Marchetti (Father Ryan, 12) dec.  No.2 Luke Parish (Christian Brothers, 12), 5-2.

152: No.1 Kaleb Baker (Christian Brothers,12) pinned  No.2 James Simpson (Father Ryan, 11), 0:39.

Baker was voted Outstanding Wrestler

160: No.1 Bryson Popp (Baylor, 11) dec.  No.2 Brandon Hataway (Christian Brothers, 12), 5-4.

170: No.4 John Hagey (Father Ryan, 11) dec. No.2 Ryan Parker (Baylor, 9), 7-2

182: No.1 Nathan Hoodenpyle (McCallie, 11) major dec.  No.2 Houston Clements (Baylor, 12), 11-2

195: No.1 Franklin Garstin (MBA, 12) dec. vs. No.2 Corbin McOlgan (Christian Brothers, 12), 7-2

220: No.1 Amos Mason (Brentwood Acad., 12) dec. No.2 Morris Eguakun (MBA 12), 2-0

285: No.1 Jay Robertson (MBA, 11) pinned No.2 Casey Cook (McCallie, 12), 3:55.

contact B.B Branton at william.branton@comcast.net