Clear Creek wrestlers were on the mat Dec. 17-18 as local schools decided who was the top Mountain League team.
The two-day event in Dahlonega started with duals Friday. The top-four league teams were in attendance, and CCMS posted a 1-1 record to finish third.
All league teams convened Saturday for the traditional portion of the tournament. Nine Bobcats placed, two were crowned champions, and Clear Creek placed fourth in the standings.
Like multiple sports programs in Gilmer County, CCMS wrestling has dealt with seasonal illnesses that have sidelined starters and backups.
“We knew going into the Mountain League duals we would have our work cut out for us,” said CCMS head coach Thomas Glanton. “It has seemed like every week this year, we have had kids out for one reason or another. This week was no different. Seasonal sickness has hit us hard, and we even had one starter hospitalized this week. Thank goodness he is fine now and is now home with his family. We also have a few kids that went out of town early for the holidays.”
The Bobcats met eventual league champion Dawson County in the first round and lost, 45-34. Both teams won eight matches, but the Tigers earned more bonus points to come out ahead.
Clear Creek forfeited at 72, 86 and 155 pounds to spot DCMS 18 points.
CCMS winners by pin included Manuel Velasquez (118 pounds), Dawson Richards (125), Bo Cronic (132), Fabian Lopez (180) and Denny Ramirez (210). Clear Creek’s Isaiah Goodwin (139), Angel Garcia (147) and Piper McCormick (165) were victorious by decision.
The Bobcats squared off against Union County in the consolation finals and won, 51-26.
CCMS pinned in nine of its 10 wins, and they were secured by Braelyn Nelson (94), Carter Ortis (102), Velasquez, Richards (132), Cronic (139), Goodwin (147), Garcia (155), McCormick and Denny Ramirez (210). Fabian Lopez (180) claimed a victory by decision.
“We knew we would have to go in, wrestle tough and pick up bonus points where we could while giving up minimal bonus points. That is exactly what our kids did. I would definitely say that our match with Dawson County was the tightest match of the day. Dawson Richards was down late in his match and caught his opponent in a bad position and got a crucial pin.”
Glanton added, “Piper McCormick stepped up tremendously Friday night. We had a starter not able to make it and she was ready to go. She picked up a huge decision against Dawson and a pin against Union.
“Our match with Dawson came down to the last match; we were both in a great place to win the match. I couldn’t have asked for a better effort from our kids. Sixth grader Fabian Lopez has been a huge force for us at 180. He has continued to wrestle kids that are bigger and stronger than him, yet he finds a way to get the win.”
On Saturday, Bobcats Velasquez and Ramirez won their weight division, while Ortis and Chronic (132) both advanced to the finals but settled for second. Clear Creek’s Nelson and Goodwin (139) claimed third place. The trio of Garcia (147), McCormick and John Oliver (275) finished fourth for CCMS.
“We lost a few more kids Saturday to sickness,” Glanton said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with our efforts on Saturday. We had a couple kids wrestle through not feeling well. Hopefully, everyone can get healed up over the next week.”
CCMS will travel to Dalton Jan. 7 to take on North Whitfield beginning at 4:30 p.m.