Two Mat Cougars Are Second at Meet

Ryan Young and Blake McMichael capped successful wrestling seasons for Piedmont Academy by finishing second in their respective weight classes at last Saturday’s GISA All-Classification tournament.

The tournament, which was held at the Perry Fairgrounds, featured wrestlers from 27 schools. The Mat Cougars were ninth overall, a major accomplishment, according to coach Darrell Young, since they only had four varsity wrestlers compete.

“It was a long day and I am proud of how we represented our school and how we finished ahead of several AAA teams,” Coach Young said. “I am proud of what we accomplished this season. In the future, we would like to have more wrestlers compete so we can have a complete lineup.”

Young, competing at 125 pounds, had two wins at the tournament as did McMichael, who wrestled at 140.

B.J. Benjamin (112) and Joey Schroeder (152) also competed at the all-classification meet and both wrestlers earned a win.

Overall, Riverside was the state champion again followed by Southland, George Walton and Mt. de Sales, all Class AAA programs. Piedmont competes at the AA level.

“I feel good about the direction of the program,” Coach Young said. “Our program is in good shape. We have some good young wrestlers.”

The Mat Cougars will lose just one senior — Chris Brunton — to graduation. Brunton, who won the state championship at the recent Class A/AA tournament, was battling the flu during qualifying for the all-classification meet, finishing in fifth place.