Gilmer, Pickens, Fannin to Send 18 to State

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In the aftermath of the hectic sectionals tournaments that took place last Friday and Saturday, 18 combined representatives of the Gilmer Bobcats, Pickens Dragons and Fannin Rebels wrestling teams will converge on the state traditional tournament this week.

Bobcat Matthew Waddell is seconds away from pinning his adversary at the AAAA Sectionals last Saturday at Gilmer High School. Waddell enters the state traditional tournament this week with an overall record of 29-1 and will join 11 other Bobcats at the tournament. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)

At the AAAA ‘B’ sectionals (one of only two AAAA sectionals in the state) at Gilmer High School, the hosting Bobcats qualified 12 wrestlers for the state tournament. Daniel Puac (106 pounds), Alberto Perez (120), Trevor Preece (126), Lucas Patterson (132), Ethan Teague (138), Keegan Sharpe (145), Grant Ledford (152), Jordan Caviness (160), Jake Parker (170), Matthew Waddell (182), Ryan Crump (195) and Levi Seabolt (285) all secured their spots at state with top-eight finishes at the sectionals. Gilmer will also be defending its AAAA state traditional championship at the tournament.

Dragon Koby Milner maintains control over his opponent at the AAAA Sectionals at Gilmer High School last Saturday. Milner won the 106-pound weight class at the tournament and will join three other Pickens grapplers at the state traditional tournament this week. (Photo by: Kevin Hensley)

Pickens will send four Dragons to state. Koby Milner (106), Joseph Ferguson (152), Kelton Gilbert (170) and Joe Massey (195) each punched their respective tickets for the state tournament at GHS, as well.

Fannin traveled to Morgan County High School in Madison for the AAA sectionals. Following the excursion, the two qualifying Rebels are Justin Wheat (132) and Colton Carpenter (160).

The 2015-16 Georgia High School Association State Traditional Tournament will be held Thursday-Saturday, at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth.

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