Piedmont Wrestler Wins State

Ryan Young became the second wrestler in Piedmont Academy history to win a state championship.

The freshman, wrestling in the 119-pound weight class, avenged his only loss of the 2003-04 season by defeating First Presbyterian’s Brett Bledsoe in the finals Saturday in Gainesville. Young took a 7-6 decision for the first-place medal.

Young’s father, Darrell Young, coached the Mat Cougars.
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“It was a special moment,” the elder Young said. “The best thing I could do was give him his pre-match instructions and then let him go after it. I know I was really into the match. It was great to see him win it both as a father and a coach.”

Jordan Farmer was the Mat Cougars’ first individual state champion wrestler three years ago.

Piedmont’s Blake Anglin (140) and Frank Christian (heavyweight) also earned third-place medals in their respective weight classes. Anglin defeated Riverside’s Brian Ewoldt 12-4 in the 140-pound match for third place while Christian pinned Riverside’s Caleb Donnovan for his third-place medal.

“I am very proud of how we performed at state,” Young said. “If we can get to the point where we can field a complete team, I believe we can compete for a state title as a team.”

Host Riverside Military Academy won the overall title. Southland, First Presbyterian, Mt. De sales, Eagles Landing, Westfield, Stratford, Piedmont, Hidden Lakes and George Walton Academy rounded out the top 10 at the GISA meet.

“Riverside did a great job hosting the tournament,” Young said. “Everyone was very impressed with how they handled everything.”

Piedmont sent seven wrestlers to the state meet. Allison Hirsch (103), C.J. Eidson, Rob Wynens and Blake McMichael also competed for the Mat Cougars.