Piedmont Wrestlers Prepare

Piedmont Academy wrestling coach Darrell Young likes the way his grapplers have started the second half of the 2006-07 season.

The Mat Cougars wrestled against three opponents last Saturday at Mill Springs and emerged with quality showings against two region and one non-region opponent.

“It was good to get back on the mat,” Coach Young said. “We are getting into better shape and it is beginning to show when we compete.”

In the match against region foe Mill Springs, Blake McMichael and Hayden Louis earned pins while B.J. Benjamin, Ryan Young and Austin Collier won by forfeit. Collier is a newcomer to the Mat Cougars.

Piedmont also wrestled well against Hidden Lakes with Ryan Young, Collier and Benjamin each recording pins. Benjamin’s opponent had entered their match undefeated this season.

McMichael also picked up a forfeit win against Hidden Lakes.

The Mat Cougars also had the chance to compete against Unity, a first-year program.

Coach Young used the match to allow two of his younger wrestlers the chance to wrestle in exhibition matches. Chandler Sanders and Montana Sanders both wrestled in exhibition matches against Unity and had strong showings, their coach said.

All of Piedmont’s varsity wrestlers recorded wins against Unity.

Coach Young said he now has his lineup set for the stretch run of the season. Wrestlers and their respective weight classes include:
Wade Roberts, 103; Benjamin, 119; Ryan Young, 125; Collier, 130; McMichael, 140; Louis, 145; Charley Needham, 171.

The Mat Cougars will host Trinity and Southland today at 6 p.m. and will also travel to Dublin Saturday for a tournament hosted by Trinity.

“The kids are looking better on the mat, and I am proud of the progress we are making,” Coach Young said.