Red Bank wrestling head coach Shane Turner, left, gives some pre-match instruction to Devin Crawl during the recent Region 2-A/AA tournament. With a record of 38-1 and the number one seed in the 195-pound weight class, Crawl is looking to repeat as a state champion after winning the gold in the 182 weight class in 2015. The state traditionals kick-off Thursday in Franklin, Tenn. at the Ag Expo Center.
photo by Dennis Norwood/File
The Red Bank Lions have been on the outside looking in for a few years, but they finally got past that biggest hurdle a few weeks ago and took full advantage of their opportunity.
The Lions had one of the best Class A-AA wrestling teams in the state last year, but had to stay home after Hixson won their region.
That wasn’t the case a few weeks back and the Lions responded by winning their first A-AA State Duals Title with a somewhat-controversial 34-30 victory over defending champ Pigeon Forge.
Now two weeks later, the Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park will again be the scene as 224 wrestlers in 14 weight classes gather for a two-day event that will conclude with the championship finals on Saturday night.
Pigeon Forge is the defending champ for the traditional tournament as well. The Tigers may well have a chip on their shoulders after losing to the Lions two weeks ago.
Red Bank, Pigeon Forge are surely the two early favorites, but what about Alcoa? The Tornadoes have plenty of reason to be considered as well, but it looks like a two-team race between the first two mentioned.
The Lions will be taking 13 back to Franklin for the event that begins on Friday with the Round of 16 and quarterfinals at 10 a.m.
(CST).
Four of those Red Bank guys are returning medalists, including Devin Crawl who won a state title at 182 last year. Blake Reichel was the runner-up at 106 in 2015 while Gabe McDuffie was fifth a year ago at 152 after winning it all at 138 in 2014. Kaine Kell was fifth last year at 160.
“We’re excited and looking forward to the opportunity. Hopefully, we’ll be competing for another state title this weekend,” said Red Bank coach Shane Turner between classes Wednesday.
“It’s been business as usual this week, but we’ll have to win the ones we’re supposed to win and also win a few we’re not supposed to win, but I feel like we have a legitimate shot to win it all.
“We had five region champs and got some decent draws, but you just never know what will happen. Pigeon Forge has a great team and Alcoa too and I know they won’t just give it to us.
“We’ll have to take their best shot and I hope we respond. I’m sure they’ve had plenty of motivation these last two weeks,” Turner added.
Joining Crawl, McDuffie and Kell will be Zack Gee at 106, Blake Reichel at 113, Gage Evans at 120, Trent Comeaux at 126, Jonah Bird at 132, Jackson Hash at 160, David Johnson at 170, Robert Perry at 182, Devon Suddeth at 220 and Anthony Ottinger at 285.
Crawl and Ottinger both enter the weekend with one loss. Crawl is now 38-1 while Ottinger is 35-1.
The Hixson Wildcats finished second to Pigeon Forge last year, but things just didn’t turn out as planned for coach Garrick Hall and his team this season. Despite that fact, Hixson will have nine individuals, including two state medalists who were both runners-up a year ago.
Landon Goforth is the only unbeaten Wildcat and will take his 28-0 mark into the competition at 145 pounds. He was second at the same weight last year after finishing third at 152 in 2014.
Dylan Bargerstock, one of four Hixson wrestlers who is a senior, was second at 195 last year after finishing runner-up at 182 in 2014.
Other Hixson qualifiers include Rylie Hart at 106, Jacob Newman at 113, Jordan Lewis at 120, Konnor Zeigler at 126, Isaac Yates at 132, Jonas Shackleford at 138 and Guillano Palacio at 285.
“We’re healthy, our spirit is up and we’re ready to get started,” said Hixson coach Garrick Hall on Wednesday.
“I’ve been coaching for a long time and have never had an individual state champion. Maybe I’ll get the monkey off my back and get one this weekend.
“We have good and bad draws, but unless you’re a region champ, you’ll just be in the mix with everyone else. But that’s better than sitting at home. At least we have a shot.
“We’ve worked hard and we want to see them all do well, but it’s bittersweet for some of them because it’s their last chance. I’m not worried about the team scores. I just want to see as many on that podium Saturday night at possible,” Hall expressed.
While Red Bank, Pigeon Forge and Alcoa are among the early favorites, always keep your eyes on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as they’ve been a heavy hitter at the state level in wrestling for many years.
The Irish have qualified five young men and they probably won’t be in the team race, but they do have one Luke Mullin, who is one of the best in any weight class and will be competing for his third straight state title.
Mullin is 35-1 as he enters the competition at 126 pounds and he’ll be joined by teammates Cade Holloway at 106, Grant Speer at 113, Camden Dickens at 126 and Ned Warwick at 132.
“I’m excited for the kids,” said Notre Dame coach Rocco Mansueto early Wednesday morning.
“We’re somewhat inexperienced this year, but the work is done and it’s time to have a little fun. Some guys are really glad to be going while others are just ready for the season to end. Our guys are really pumped and we’re expecting them to compete when they step to that line on Friday morning.
“It’s all about being ready to go when that whistle blows,” the first-year coach added.
Mullin comes from a long line of great Notre Dame wrestlers and Mansueto is the first to admit it.
“Luke is so detail oriented and always looking for new technique. He’s a diligent, hard-working kid who loves the sport and pushes a competitive pace. I try to get on the mat with him every chance I get and it’s all I can do to keep up with him,” the coach praised.
Tyner will have five individuals while East Ridge, Signal Mountain and Boyd-Buchanan will all have four. Central, Sequatchie County and Whitwell have three apiece with Chattanooga Christian taking two and Howard one.
Tyner’s five include Chaysen Patrick at 152, Juan Camacho at 170, Kevin Cortes at 195, Deontae Tyson at 220 and Keith Thomas at 285.
Those representing East Ridge include Kashawn Cosey at 120, Logan McDonald at 132, Darian Smith at 170 and Christian Castro at 285 while Signal Mountain’s four include Isaac Tate at 106, Daniel Dawson at 138, Hunt Drennan at 145 and Seth Petarra at 182.
Boyd-Buchanan will have Scott Weaver at 113, Zane Williams at 160, Kell Stott at 195 and Will Watkins at 220 while Central’s three include Isaac Coffman at 138, Alonzo Heyward at 152 and Brian Sledge at 195.
Sequatchie County will have Jay Brock at 126, Cameron Weaver at 138 and Jarred Keener at 152 while Whitwell’s trio includes Avery Shrum at 160, Daniel Mikel at 170 and William Carter at 182.
Chattanooga Christian will have Justin Wheeler in the field at 145 while teammate Michael Nelson is entered at 220. Howard’s lone qualifier is Niejel Billingsley at 160 pounds.
Central’s Heyward was second at 152 last year while Signal Mountain’s Petarra was fourth at 170. Boyd-Buchanan’s Watkins was fifth at 220 a year ago.
The tournament begins for the A-AA division on Friday with the Round of 16 and quarterfinals at 10 a.m. (CST). The semifinals are set for 6 on Friday with the championship finals for all classifications set for Saturday at 5.
(email John Hunt at nomarathonmoose@gmail.com)