Mat Cougars Earn State Medals

Three of Piedmont Academy’s wrestlers earned medals during the GISA state tournament last weekend in Americus.

Senior Nolan Cleary capped a strong season, and career, with a third-place finish at 285. Cleary made it all the way to the semifinals where he faced an opponent from Robert Toombs. The two wrestlers had split their matches during the season.

“Nolan wrestled a fantastic match working outside of his comfort zone and executing the plan we had for the match,” said coach Alvin Hawkes. “Unfortunately, Nolan lost by pin in the third period while down 6-4.”

Cleary’s semifinal opponent would go on to win first at state. Cleary, meanwhile, went in the wrestle backs and defeated an opponent from Pinewood by pin in the second period to secure his third-place state finish.

“Nolan is a terrific wrestler and a fantastic young man,” his coach said. “He has brought a ton to our wrestling program and will be missed by myself and his underclassman teammates.”

Freshman Logan Conner earned third place at 195 at state. After falling in his first match against the eventual state runner-up from Pinewood, Conner battled back with two wins.

Sophomore Corbin Burrell took fourth place at 126. After falling in his first match to the eventual state runner-up from Deerfield-Windsor, Burrell fought his way back to the third-fourth place match where he fell to an opponent from Mill Spring.

Hawkes said Piedmont’s other state wrestlers — Ian Boyd, Tanner Coppock and Parker Clark — all excelled on the mat.

“Ian is to be commended for having one of the toughest brackets in the tournament,” Hawkes said. “Ian was able to take two of his matches to three periods against some excellent wrestlers. I am looking forward to the future with this group. I know they will continue to improve for next season.”

The GISA state wrestling tournament was held at the Storm Dome at Georgia Southwestern University.