Mat Cougars Eye New Season

Piedmont Academy’s wrestling team has its sights set on the 2016-2017 season.

This year’s team has 10 wrestlers, who will begin the new season Thursday, Dec. 8, at Windsor Academy in Macon. The Mat Cougars will then take part in a tournament hosted by Westfield in Perry on Saturday, Dec. 10, before hosting their first home meet on Monday, Dec. 12, against Windsor and Creekside.

“We are looking forward to the season,” said coach Alvin Hawkes. “Each member of the team has worked hard to get into shape for the season. Our goal is for every wrestler to improve and compete at their highest ability.”

Wrestlers on this year’s squad include eighth grader Tanner Locklear (120), freshmen Trent Coots (106) and Blake Calhoun (112), sophomore Logan Conner (195), juniors Corbin Burrell (132), Ian Boyd (138), Tanner Coppock (170) and Parker Clarke (182) and seniors Ben Smith (220) and Jay Sheets (285).

Former Piedmont standout wrestler Nolan Cleary is assisting Hawkes with this year’s team.