The state wrestling tournament is on tap for Gilmer High, and five girls are set to make their way to Macon.
Gilmer’s Josephine Royer was the best 105 pounder at last Saturday’s sectional tournament at Harris County High. Four others placed in the top six of their respective weight class to qualify for state.
“This sectional was really tough. There were 87 teams represented, and six of the top eight state duals teams were all at this sectional,” said head coach Stacy Galloway. “Then there were numerous teams with multiple returning state qualifiers and state placers. We took eight girls, and they all placed in the top eight. I am so proud of these girls. They all battled hard, especially on the backside of the bracket.”
Royer ended her first three matches with opening round pins. She also pinned South Gwinnett’s Elizabeth Mayorga in the third period of the finals for first.
Taylor Schiesser (235) pinned her way to four wins. Her semifinal match ended with a disqualification because of too many stalls ahead of her final two victories in the consolation bracket.
Both Leticia Tercero (130) and Linda Tercero (155) finished fourth. They each lost in the semifinals and compiled 3-2 records.
Abelinda Tercero (135, 3-2 record) claimed Gilmer’s remaining state spot and placed sixth.
Amayah Jones (170, 3-2) took seventh and is a state alternate. Andrea Garcia (140, 2-3) and Carmelina Tercero (190, 2-3) placed eighth.
“We’re looking forward to the state tournament, and Greenbrier, Carrollton and Woodward Academy each had six girls to qualify,” Galloway said. “We have five, as do a couple other teams, so if everyone wrestles to their potential, we should be in the mix to place in the top four.”
The girls state tournament will be at the Macon Coliseum Thursday Saturday. A full tournament schedule can be found at Ghsa.net/wrestling.