The Gilmer High Bobcats continue to put themselves to the test on the wrestling mat.
December is typically the month where GHS attends some of its toughest events of the season, and this year is no different.
The Bobcats were in Blue Ridge last Tuesday for the annual 515 Duals, and for the first time in the event’s existence, Gilmer did not win.
Following a 54-17 pounding of Class 3A’s No. 6 ranked Pickens in the semifinals, the hometown Fannin County Rebels, who are ranked No. 2 in Class 2A, defeated Gilmer, 41-34.
GHS closed out the week Saturday at the Cleveland Duals. The event routinely draws some of the region’s top competition, and Gilmer posted a 2-3 record.
The Bobcats, who are ranked No. 2 in Class 3A, continue to navigate the first month of the season with a lineup that is a mix of experienced wrestlers and those new to the varsity scene.
The bulk of Gilmer’s schedule ahead of last week was spent facing teams from larger classifications. In addition to the aforementioned schools, the 515 Duals also included Towns and Union counties. Gilmer’s loss to Fannin came down to bonus points.
“We’re kind of a halfway rebuild, half veteran team, and I believe Fannin returned everyone they took to state last year,” said head coach Josh Ghobadpoor. “They’re a very tough team and ranked No. 2 in 2A. In some spots where we’re still learning, they’re very strong. We had chances to win.”
Fannin’s victory over Gilmer was an extremely rare occurrence, and the last time it happened is believed to be in the previous millennium.
“I think they were very excited about the win, as they should be,” Ghobadpoor said. “I know there’s been a long stretch where we’ve been pretty dominant in those matchups. They won state two years ago and placed high last year. Kudos to Coach Patterson and his team.”
At the Cleveland Duals, GHS was missing some starters and suffered three losses in its pool. First up was Summit, the No. 5 ranked team in Tennessee, and GHS lost, 59-20. Next up was Georgia’s defending Class 5A state champions Cass, who slipped by the Bobcats, 39-34.
Gilmer faced Christian Brothers, Tenn., next and fell, 43-33.
“This is always the toughest tournament of the year,” Ghobadpoor said. “I don’t think anything even comes close to it. This year, we’re a little bit different team. We lost a lot and have some young guys. We have some guys who have never experienced anything like that as far as having one tough match after another. It doesn’t matter what pool you’re in, you’re drawing very good teams.”
The Bobcats ended the tournament with wins over Tennessee’s Battleground Academy (60-18) and Dalton (60-15).
“It was a tough day,” Ghobadpoor said. “Going back to Fannin, we lost four duals in a row, and we’ve never lost that many in my tenure here. In Cleveland, I think we won the ones we should have. With everyone healthy, I think we beat Cass and maybe Christian Brothers.
“We needed to see this level of competition and this toughness. I don’t think we’ll see anything this tough outside of the state tournament. Of course, certain things have to happen before we get to that point.”
GHS has a 20-7 dual record and will host Murray County Thursday for senior night. Matches are set to begin at 5:30 p.m.
Girls
Gilmer’s girls secured their first-ever dual victory.
GHS was in Cleveland, Tenn., last Saturday. Gilmer first went up against the host Blue Raiders and lost, 48-18. GHS then took the mat against Summit, Tenn., and secured six wins for a 36-21 team victory.
“This was our first opportunity to wrestle a dual, so it was great having that experience with out-of-state opponents,” said coach Stacy Galloway.
“Wrestling duals is a lot different from traditional tournaments from the wrestler’s perspective. We had been talking with the girls about the differences in wrestling a dual, so it was very beneficial for them to experience this.”
Versus Cleveland, Gilmer’s Josephine Royer, Leticia Tercero, Linda Tercero and Margarita Lucas picked up wins. GHS did not have all of the weight classes filled, and forfeited three bouts.
In the Cats’ victory over Summit, GHS wins belonged to Royer, Felisha Yarborough, Lucas, Piper McCormick, Taylor Schiesser and Juana Tercero.
There were also individual matches after the duals, and GHS wrestlers won via pin each time they took the mat. Schiesser, Leticia Tercero and Yarborough were all 2-0, while Royer, Linda Tercero and McCormick each earned a win.
GHS will host Southeast Whitfield Thursday for senior night at 5:30 p.m. Gilmer will travel to Dahlonega Saturday for the Lumpkin County Holiday Nutcracker Tournament.