Young Mat Cougars Are State Champions

A strong performance by the Piedmont Academy Middle School wrestling team helped give the wrestlers a state championship last weekend.

The Middle School Mat Cougars compiled 163 team points for first place at the GIAA state event. Bulloch Academy finished as runner-up with 144 followed by Strong Rock at 119 and Brookstone with 117.

Austin Anglin (95) and Tyler McVey (170) both captured individual state championships.

Nolan Oberst (70), Gabe Howell (100) and Mike Burke (245) each finished as runner-up in their respective weight classes.

Earning third place for Piedmont were Levi Harmon (80), Jacob Diamond (155) and Paxton Smith (190).

Jesse Standard (75), Peyton Gallups (85) and McCoy Fleming (95) were each fourth while Jameson Carter (75), Aiden Luti (85), Mason Carroll (115) and Jake Harmon (125) each were fifth.

Rounding out the team standings were Mount de Sales (94), Valwood (84), Pinewood (72), Bethlehem Christian (54), John Milledge (46), Deerfield-Windsor (45), Pacelli (45) and Trinity Christian School (43).

The Middle School state wrestling tournament was hosted by Brookstone School in Columbus.

Piedmont’s varsity wrestling team will host its region tournament Saturday. Mat action begins at 9 a.m.