It was a day for all Lady Cat wrestlers at the Gilmer Bobcat Bash.
The annual event drew 26 teams to the Noah Harris Wrestling Center last Saturday, and the varsity Lady Cats placed fourth. Carrollton claimed the team title, Cedartown was the runner-up and Central Carroll claimed third.
The Bash continued to grow in its third year and offered a strong test with area and state tournaments on the horizon.
“Overall, this was a very tough tournament, especially at 110, 130, 155 and 235 pounds, which were loaded with state qualifiers and placers,” said head coach Stacy Galloway.
“In the first two years, we averaged around 120 wrestlers. This year, we added a middle school division with approximately 80 girls, and our high school numbers increased by about 60, more than doubling participation from previous years. With the additional athletes and families in attendance, the NHWC was at maximum capacity.”
A quartet of Lady Cats placed in the top four of their respective weight classes. Continuing her stellar season was Abelinda Tercero, who took first in the 135-pound weight class. Both Lucy Ann McArthur (145) and Erika Tercero (235) won their consolation finals for third place, and Jamie Sebastian (170) was fourth.
In the junior varsity brackets, Gilmer’s Alicia Tercero (135) and Andrea Puac (155) finished first, while Gladys Lopez (130) was a runner-up. Also placing were Estephany Becerra (135, 3rd) and Gracie Cox (105, 4th).
In the middle school division, Clear Creek champions included Anez Perigo (95), Candelaria Velasquez (106), Jaira Lucas (93), and Khole Becker (100).
Cecilia Perez (93), Erica Perez (184), Glinda Ambrocio (82) and Sydney Dillard (106) were runners-up.
Third-place finishers included Adelina Felipe (175), Adriana Perez (190), Deborah Ramirez (116), Evelyn Reynoso (103), Gianna Aguilar (115), Jessica Meletz (110), Katie Whisnant (116) and Kyra Little (119).
Areli Ramirez (202), Ayda Solis (116), Natalia Gonzalez (108), and Victoria Guarcas (110) all placed fourth.
“Our wrestlers, both middle school and high school, competed extremely well,” Galloway said. “Many wrestled their best matches of the season, which has been a consistent trend over the past few tournaments. We are peaking at the right time. While a few girls are managing minor injuries, we expect them to be ready as we move into postseason competition.”
Area will take place Friday at Lumpkin County, home of the defending state champion Indians.
“We will have everyone at the weights we need, and I feel confident that we are prepared to make another strong run at state duals,” Galloway said.
“The top-two teams from area will qualify for the state dual’s top 16. We will face Central Carroll in the opening match, with the winner advancing to face Lumpkin in the finals.”