Local youth wrestlers wrapped up state tournaments and were well represented on the medal stand.
The first USA Wrestling titles were decided Feb. 22 at the Georgia Kids State Championships and Beginner’s Bash in Perry.
There were 53 clubs and training centers represented, and Gilmer finished eighth. Among traditional clubs, Gilmer was third.
“We were pleased with the results of this tournament. We did not start out with great results in the first round overall, but our wrestlers pulled it together in the ensuing rounds to start scoring team points,” said Gilmer coach Walt Monroe.
Bobcat Parker Settel took the mat at 210 pounds in the 14-under age division and returned home with a state title. Settel found himself down 6-0 after the first period before scoring a reversal and pin early in the second period.
“He has been wrestling for awhile and has been in the finals several times,” Monroe said of Settel. “However, this was a crowning moment for him personally. It was a solid bracket, and to see him win it was great not only for himself, but his team and family were proud of him.”
Jake Watson (100 pounds) finished fourth, and 12U wrestler Rudy Morales (100) was third.
“Rudy lost a match in the first round but put together a great tournament afterward to go 5-1 on the day and come back to get third,” Monroe said. “Jake is a first-year wrestler that kept improving as the season progressed and did a very good job to take fourth.”
The following wrestlers also qualified and participated in the state tournament: 14U Caleb Gaspar (210, 2-2), Jasper Barr (125, 2-2), Liandro Ramirez (110), Tryton Haley (160, 1-2), and 12U’s Dawson Duncan (65, 1-2) and Asher Kleczka (73, 2-2). Keigan Brookshire qualified as well but was unable to participate.
The Beginner’s Bash was held for “true” first-year wrestlers and also those who had never participated in a USAW event, according to Monroe.
Champions included 14U’s Liandro Ramirez (110) and 12U’s Asher Kleczka (73). Also competing in 12U were Rony Morales (95, second place) and Daniel Raymundo (heavyweight, fourth). Heavyweight Jake Watson was third in 14U.
“To see the five kids we had participating in this event do so well is a testament to their work and the trust they have in the coaches to follow the system to improve and become successful,” Monroe said. “It was a very good way to end our time at state.”
In the girls middle school division, Jaylin Duncan (105) placed fourth. J.J. McArthur also represented Gilmer at the event.
“It was also special to have the girls participating at state,” said Monroe. “Jaylin did well for her first state tournament, and it was great having her place. J.J. gained valuable experience by participating, and it was fun being able to coach both athletes over the weekend, as they just soaked in the whole experience.
“It is good to see Team Georgia provide this opportunity.”
NGWL wraps season
The North Georgia Wrestling League held its state open and beginners tournaments in Calhoun.
The event took place last Saturday, and four Gilmer wrestlers reached the finals. Gilmer’s open division champions included 10U’s Luke Gaitanoglou (70) and Ashten Cobb (103).
In the beginners division, Bobcat heavyweight Chandler Boyette finished first among 12U wrestlers. Drayvin Fonteboa was a runner-up in 12U’s 65-pound weight class.