Fifteen Gilmer High School wrestlers are heading to state.
The final stage of the boys state qualifying process was at last Saturday’s Class 3A B Sectional in Gainesville. Teams from four regions were in attendance, and a top eight placement was necessary for state qualification.
One-hundred thirty-eight pounder Braelyn Nelson was Gilmer’s top finisher with a runner-up placement.
“We had a great day overall,” head coach Josh Ghobadpoor said. “We got 10 guys through to state in a tough sectional. And if we wrestle our best, we’re taking 12 out of 12 to state. In a couple spots, we pinned No. 1 seeds, and we did a lot of good things.
“For eight of these guys, this was the first time to ever wrestle at sectionals and now the stakes are higher and it’s much more difficult. I’m very excited about how we did. There are still things we need to do to improve our wrestling ability.”
Nelson glided through his first two matches with a technical fall and major decision, outscoring his opponents by a combined score of 31-0. In the semifinals, he earned a 12-9 sudden victory in overtime.
Davin Lightsey of White County awaited Nelson in the finals, and the former secured a pin in the second period.
Daniel Escobar (113) lost his second round match before reeling off four straight wins for third place.
The Bobcat duo of Harrison Chester (150), and Denny Ramirez (285) placed third. They both advanced to the semifinals before descending to the consolation bracket. Each won a match before a consolation finals defeat, and both were 3-2.
Landing in fifth place were Gilmer’s Manny Velasquez (120, 3-2), Domingo Velasquez (144, 4-2) and Dawson Richard (157, 3-2). Both Manny Velasquez and Richard won two matches before a semifinals loss. Domingo Velasquez lost in the second round to enter the consolation bracket.
Deyson Lopez (106, 2-3) reached the semifinals as well before three straight losses and placed sixth.
Adolfo Bautista (132, 3-2) secured his state spot by finishing seventh, and Jovani Raymundo (175, 2-3) placed eighth.
Bo Cronic took the mat at 165 pounds and posted a 2-3 record for 10th place. Alex Alonzo (126) was 1-3.
The boys traditional state tournament will be held Wednesday - Friday at the Macon Coliseum. A complete tournament schedule can be found at Ghsa.net/wrestling.
“This is a great group of young men,” said Ghobadpoor. “We don’t have a lot of egos and we have great leadership. I’m just so proud of them. The experience we’re building up and working toward will benefit this program tremendously.”
Gilmer High’s girls will be represented by five wrestlers at the state tournament.
GHS made the haul to Columbus last Friday for the Section C tournament, and 40 schools squared off to decide state qualifying spots. With eight wrestlers in attendance, Gilmer ended its day away with four third-place and one fourth-place finisher.
Winners of the consolation finals and taking third were Sarai Solis (110), Leticia Tercero (125), Abelinda Tercero (145) and Erika Tercero (235). Each won their opening match before a loss in the semifinals. They all won two matches in the consolation bracket.
Amayah Jones (155, 2-2 record) will also make her way to state after finishing fifth. She was defeated in the semifinals as well and went 1-1 in the consolation bracket.
Salma Gonzalez (105), Esther Bowman (120) and Margarita Lucas-Bautista (140) also took the mat for GHS at sectionals.
The traditional girls state tournament will be held Thursday - Saturday at the Macon Coliseum. A complete tournament schedule can be found at Ghsa.net/wrestling.