Piedmont Wrestlers Improve

The Piedmont Academy wrestling team showed major improvements in their most recent matches, according to head coach Darrell Young.

The Mat Cougars competed in a tournament at Tattnall Square Saturday along with five other schools and also traveled to George Walton Academy in Monroe last Friday. In those outings, Coach Young said each of his wrestlers began making the necessary improvements he expects from them.

“Overall, we are still not in great wrestling shape, but we are getting there,” the Piedmont coach said. “We looked better both days over the weekend. If the boys continue to work hard to get in shape over the holidays we will be fine.”

Some of the highlights for the Mat Cougars from the weekend including strong performances by Blake McMichael, Ryan Young and B.J. Benjamin. In what Coach Young termed the best match of the weekend for Piedmont, Benjamin defeated an opponent from Valwood Saturday 12-11.

Hayden Louis also earned his first pin of the season at Tattnall Square against his opponent from Bulloch.

Charlie Needham is currently wrestling at 189 points although he weighs 177. Coach Young said Needham is trying to drop four pounds to be able to compete at 173.

During last Friday’s matches at George Walton Academy in Monroe, Coach Young said third graders Ben Davis and Dawson Sanders were able to wrestle each other in an exhibition. In addition, fifth grader Montana Sanders competed against a GWA eighth grader and had a strong showing.

Seven graders Chandler Sanders and Drew Odegaard also gained mat experience last weekend.
The Piedmont Academy wrestling team is now off until Jan. 6 although the team will continue to work out over the holidays.