Sandoval Is State Runner-Up

Jasper County High School (JCHS) senior, Oscar Sandoval (left) wrestled his way to the championship match over the weekend at the Georgia High School State Individual tournament.

In the AA Classification in the 170 pound weight class Sandoval defeated Tradd Porter of Jefferson in the first match, went on to defeat Darron Boxley of Berrien in the second match. He then lost a close match to Rhett Delf of The Wesleyan School for the state championship, but finished second in the state with a season record of 55-5 and a career record of 199 wins.

Also a senior, Pat Clement (right), in the 160 pound weight class, won his first match, lost his second one, but wrestled well enough in the elimination match to earn a medal for sixth place in the state, finishing the season with a record of 43-10.

{{more}}

Junior Justin Bradley, in the 126 pound weight class, won his first match, but lost his second, but went on to win in a double elimination match and earn fifth place in the state, finishing the season with a record of 57-18.

Junior Emory Cline, in the 120 pound weight class won his first match, then lost his second in a very close 2-0 decision. In his double elimination match he won with a 10-8 decision which earned him a fifth place state finish.

Head Wrestling Coach Andy Rewis said, “Those four guys were a big part of our success all season long. Pat and Oscar have been team leaders for four years, and even in their earlier years the team followed their examples of working hard and wrestling well. They were great leaders as well as great wrestlers. Justin led our team in wins and we’re especially happy for Emory, who was in a back brace six weeks ago.

“Overall it was our best season yet. We went 35-17 as a team and we won three tournaments and finished second in four others. We finished ninth in the state, up from 30th place last year. We advanced four to the state tournament, the most ever, and they all placed and earned medals. We made great improvements as a team did a great job individually at the state tournament.”