Mat Cougars Start Season With Tournament Action

The Piedmont Academy wrestling team officially began its 2005-06 season last week competing at Windsor Academy in Macon.

Piedmont wrestlers faced host Windsor in addition to Valwood and Monroe Academy at the four-school event. Several Mat Cougars had quality outings including Ryan Young who earned two pins and a win by forfeit at 125 pounds.

Young pinned his Windsor opponent in the second period while quickly dispatching of his Monroe Academy opponent in approximately 30 seconds. He earned a forfeit win against Valwood.
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Chris Brunton (140) earned a pin against Valwood and a forfeit win against Monroe. Blake McMichael (145) pinned his Valwood opponent and won by forfeit against Monroe.

Joey Schroeder (152) earned his first victory with a pin against his Monroe Academy opponent. He also won by forfeit against Val-wood.

Charley Needham (171) earned a forfeit win against Monroe while Hugo Huerta earned a forfeit win against Windsor at 189. Piedmont coach Darrell Young said Huerta, a freshman, wrestled well for his first outing and was competing in the 189-pound division at 174.

“It was a good experience for us,” Coach Young said. “Windsor had several wrestlers who had competed all summer in the USA program. They were prepared for the first match while we were dealing with some early-season jitters. Overall, I was pleased with our first match although we could have done a little better.”

In addition to the varsity matches, middle school wrestlers Chandler Sanders, Zach Benjamin and Drew Odegaard were able to compete in exhibition matches.

Coach Young said elementary school wrestlers Dawson Sanders, Montana Sanders and Ben Davis continue to work hard in practice gaining mat experience.

The Piedmont wrestling team is now off until January 4 when it will open the home portion of its schedule.