TSB wrestling and cheer teams displaying their medals and trophies. Pictured, left to right: row one - Jonathan Grissom, Letarian Smith, TaMyah Jordon, Lexie Williams, Cody Grissom, Korey Nettles and Miguel Jose; row two - Garrett Meeks (mascot), Eh Gay, Craig Heggie, KeAunte Smith, Donnie Sands, Anthony Bonetti, Avery Mayberry, Andre Walker and Ella Brown.
TSB Wrestlers and staff picture, left to right: Coach Jay Humphries, Jonathan Grissom, KeAunte Smith, Eh Gay, Korey Nettles, Avery Mayberry, Donnie Sands, John Phipps, Letarian Smith, Anthony Bonetti, Miguel Jose and Kelsey Linsenbigler
TSB Cheer Team pictured, left to right: Garett Meeks (mascot), TaMyah Jordan, Lexie Williams, Ella Brown, Cody Grissom, Andre Walker Row two: coaches Tori Herring and Mary Endahl
Avery Mayberry, from Sale Creek and Hamilton County School District, placed second in the 170 lb. weight class as the Tennessee School for the Blind wrestling team claimed first place as the 2019 Wrestling Champions of the North Central Association of Schools for the Blind. With only seconds left on the clock, Mr. Mayberry's undefeated status slipped away.
At the Tennessee School for the Blind Competing at the Illinois School for the Blind on Jan. 26, the Tigers climbed their way to the top against seven regional schools. It’s the second time TSB has gained the top prize in as many years.
TSB is one of Tennessee’s State Special Schools serving students with special needs. Located in Nashville in the Donelson community, the school serves blind and visually impaired students from across the state. Currently 129 students from local school districts in 44 of the state’s 95 counties receive specialized education and training on campus. The residential students commute weekly to Nashville by way of the school’s charter bus network. Additionally, students in public schools across the state receive assistance from the school’s Outreach program.
The Tiger wrestlers nailed down the championship with a narrow total point count of 4.5 over a strong team from the Arkansas School for the Blind. Giving outstanding performances to assure first place were seven young wrestlers. TSB wrestling coach Jay Humphries has mentored and trained the team since taking over for TN High School Hall of Fame coach Frank Alexander.
From the Dyersburg School District in Dyer County, Johnathon Grissom took first in the 95 lb. weight class by going undefeated. He was also voted Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament. Korey Nettles, from Clarksville and Montgomery County Schools, was undefeated, claiming first place in the 106 lb. weight class. Also going undefeated and placing first in the 138 lb. weight class was Miguel Jose from Lebanon and Wilson County Schools.
Earning third place points in the 126lb weight class was KeAunte Smith from Smyrna, and Rutherford County Schools. Also contributing points towards the victory were Eh Gay (170 lbs.) from Smyrna in Rutherford County, and Letarian Smith (120 lbs.) from Metro Nashville Schools, both finishing fourth.
Igniting the crowd and cheering the Tigers on to victory, the TSB Cheerleaders earned the coveted Spirit Award. “The hard work of the Cheerleaders all season long really paid off at conference” said Cheer Coach Tori Herring. Led by captain Ella Brown from Fayetteville City Schools in Lincoln County, the junior also gave credit to the team mascot Garrett Meeks, from Palmer and the Grundy County Schools. Fitting into the tiger uniform and filling the gym with growls and spirit earned Garret the second place trophy for mascot.
“Tennessee School for the Blind had a very successful weekend,” said Superintendent Dr. David Martin. “I’m happy to see our kids so excited and look forward to seeing how they build on their victories.”