Gilmer High wrestlers were at North Murray High School last Saturday and returned home with their third tournament title of the season.
Gilmer posted a 5-0 record and won every match by at least 32 points to improve to 17-1 on the season.
“It was one of those tournaments where the competition wasn’t as steep as what we’ve had the first few weeks. But at the same time, we still have to wrestle and go out there and do what we need to,” said head coach Josh Ghobadpoor.
“We set little goals for the team to make it a challenge. Can we give up five or less pins, can we do this or that? We wanted to make it a challenge for them to keep them engaged, and I think that worked.”
Ten teams were in pools of five, and GHS got rolling with wins over Blessed Trinity (64-9), St. Pius (78-6), Murray County (72-12) and Coosa (75-3).
The Bobcats met Pace Academy for the championship and the No. 1 team in Class 3A won, 50-18.
“After our third match we reminded our guys to keep the intensity level up. We need to wrestle to our ability and no one else’s,” Ghobadpoor said
GHS undefeated wrestlers on the day included Juan Rafael (106), Carson Farist (113), Arturo Gonzales (120), Bregan Berry (126), Carson Bentley (132), Daniel Reynoso (170), Dylan Galloway (220) and Tony Olea (285).
Meanwhile, the junior varsity Bobcats and girls attended a traditional tournament at Creekview High School.
The JV competed in 12 of 14 weight classes and placed first over Creekview, 182-172. GHS champions included Leo Domingo (120), Pascual Escobar (126), Alex Raymundo (132), David Tercero (182) and Noah Goswick (220).
GHS girls placed second to Chestatee, 86-80, and only wrestled in seven of 14 weight classes. Placing first were Gilmer’s Sarai Solis (112), Linda Tercero (142) and Taylor Schiesser (172).
The tournament ran late Friday, and GHS did not get home until after midnight. Wrestlers and coaches were back at the school at 5:45 a.m. Saturday for day two of the event.
“I’m very happy with the program across the board,” Ghobadpoor said. “I have to give a shoutout to all our coaches. Coach Dan Puac, Brent Berry, Stacy Galloway and D.J. Underwood all went to the girls and JV tournament. They work so hard and do so many things people don’t see off the mat.
“For those that wrestled, that’s a tough turnaround, and I’m really proud of everybody for stepping up and being tough.”
GHS will attend the 515 Classic Wednesday at Union County at 5:30 p.m. and the Cleveland, Tenn., Duals Saturday starting at 9 a.m.