Mat Cougars Begin Season

Piedmont Academy’s wrestling team will return for a new season this weekend when the Mat Cougars venture to Bulloch Academy in Statesboro.

Wrestling action is set to begin at 9 a.m.

Competing for the varsity team are seniors Mills Smith and Malik Reid, with juniors Hunter Burson, Payden Cantera and Dylan Efird.

Mike Weatherly and Austin Taylor are sophomores on this year’s squad along eighth graders Ian Boyd and Tanner Coppock.

“I am excited about our upcoming season,” coach Alvin Hawkes said. “We have nine varsity wrestlers out this year which is five more than last year. Over the last couple of weeks we have been working hard to get in shape, plus some of the younger wrestlers have been learning the basics of the sport.

“We have a long way to go yet, however, the tournament at Bulloch this Saturday should allow all of our guys to get some much needed mat time.”

Following the tournament at Bulloch, Hawkes’ team will host a competition Tuesday featuring Gatewood, Trinity, Loganville Christian Academy, Creekside and Unity Christian. Varsity and Middle School wrestlers will compete beginning at 5 p.m.