Mat ‘Canes Send Four to State

Of the nine ’Cane wrestlers who advanced to the Traditional Sectional Tournament last weekend, four qualified in the top eight in their weight class in the state and will advance on to the Georgia High School Traditional State Wrestling Tournament this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Macon Centreplex on Coliseum Drive in Macon.

Seniors Pat Clement and Oscar Sandoval, along with juniors Emory Cline and Justin Bradley, all four qualified and are scheduled to weigh in at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 16.

The tournament structure holds an eight man bracket double-elimination, meaning a competitor will have to win three matches to win the state championship.

{{more}}

After the weigh in’s are completed Friday, action is scheduled to begin at approximately 1 p.m.

In the first round Pat Clement in the 160 pound weight class, with a record of 42-7, is scheduled to take on LeManuel Kittrell (39-4) from Fitzgerald.

Oscar Sandavol in the 170 pound weight class, with a record of 53-4, is scheduled to take on Tradd Porter (27-7) from Jefferson High School.

Justin Bradley in the 126 pound weight class, with a record of 55-16, is scheduled to take on Ryan Davis (41-10) from Social Circle.

Emory Cline in the 120 pound weight class, with a record of 15-13, is scheduled to take on Hunter Kelly (32-0) from Berrien.

“We only had two in the top eight last year,” Head Wrestling Coach Andy Rewis said. “Jordan Weaver, Brian Harper, Chase Helms and Tyler Seawright all placed fifth in the Sectional Tournament. Tyler is a freshman and he had more than 50 wins this year.

“I feel good about next year because out of the nine we took to the sectionals we are only losing four and of the four who are advancing we will have two returning. A total of five wrestlers who were in the top 16 in the state, and two who advanced on to the top eight, will be back next year.”

The state tournament may be watched live by ordering DVDs at GHSA.tv. The subscription rate for a daily pass (24 hours) is $3.95. On-demand viewing after the event is free of charge. Also, Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) will air a state wrestling highlight show on Sunday, February 17 from 3-5 p.m.