Wrestling Cougars Compete

Piedmont Academy qualified six wrestlers Monday for the GISA all-classification state meet.

The Mat Cougars traveled to Mt. Vernon in Atlanta where Patrick Berg (112), Malik Reed (130) and Rhett Roberts (160) each captured first place.

Reed scored an upset on his way to the title upsetting the No. 1-seeded wrestler from Mill Spring.

“He shocked a lot of people with that win,” coach Darrell Young said. “Overall, I was very pleased with how our wrestlers looked. This gives up good seedings going into state.”
In addition, Mills Smith (125), Evan Harvey (135) and Payden Cantera (189) were each third and will also compete at the all-classification state meet Feb. 4-5 at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon.

“We appear to be in good shape going into state,” Young said. “We will fine tune some things and get ready for the big stage.”
Prior to Monday’s action, the Mat Cougars hosted a six-school tournament Saturday with Berg (112), Roberts (160) and Cantera (189) each taking first place in their respective weight classes.
Roberts was also undefeated for the week and improved to 24-4 after Saturday’s matches. He is the team’s lone senior.
Smith (125) and Reed (130) were both second in their weight classes Saturday.

“The parents did an excellent job hosting the tournament,” Young said.

The Piedmont coach also thanked athletic director Danny Camp for announcing the matches and for former wrestler B.J. Benjamin, who once again returned home from college, to be the official scorekeeper.

“With all the participation we had, everything went very smooth,” Young said. “It showed how Piedmont is able to host a tournament of this size.”

In junior varsity action Saturday, Ian Boyd, Caleb Usry, Alex Parish, Ben Davis and Noah Quick were each first while Jacob Bowers and Patrick Dougherty were both second. Hy Pierce and Elijah Bowden, both third graders, also gained experience on the mat Saturday.