The Oglethorpe Echo
The Oglethorpe County boys wrestling team failed to qualify for the team dual state tournament after finishing fourth at the area tournament on Jan. 9.
Due to weather concerns, the tournament was moved from Jan. 11, putting head coach Steve Mason and the Patriots at a disadvantage.
Seniors Miles Mason and September Htoo were unable to compete due to injuries.
“We were really hoping to have a few more days for them to get healthy and be able to compete,” Steve Mason said.
Said Miles Mason, “The worst part is knowing I’m kind of a team leader and I feel like I wasn’t there to help my team out, which sucks.”
Despite their absence, the Patriots came within one point of the opportunity to wrestle Elbert County for true second and qualify for the state tournament.
The Patriots beat Rabun County in the first round before falling to eventual champion Commerce in the semifinals. The Patriots then beat Fannin County before falling to Banks County 36-35 in the consolation finals.
“It stinks because a lot of times that team that loses in the finals hits a low, and if you come back and wrestle for true second, you’re kind of on a high and it’s a good chance to knock somebody off,” Steve Mason said.
At the tournament, Paris Crowder (138 pounds) went 4-0, Luke Holbrooks (126) was 3-1 and Kendon Brown (144) finished 3-1. Mason said several wrestlers were 2-2.
With the dual season over, the Patriots have time for much-needed rest and extra practice opportunities to prepare for the traditional area, sectionals and state tournament.
“We’re going to be able to have a good rest and really train hard and hone in on our skills,” Miles Mason said. “I really think it’s gonna propel us forward, and as much as it sucks, it’s really going to help us in the long run.”
Steve Mason said the history is on the Patriots’ side as the last time they failed to make it to the state dual tournament, the team finished second at the traditional state tournament.
Miles Mason and Crowder are the only wrestlers who have placed at state, so preparing the team for what lies ahead will be necessary.
“I really just tell them to let it loose and just try to have fun competing,” Miles Mason said. “If you have fun competing, from my personal experience, you do your best.”
Last year, Miles Mason won the area and sectionals tournament, finishing fourth at state. He said he expects to recover from his injury in time to compete.
“This is what we’ve been working for all year, and now we’re getting excited for a chance to prove ourselves to people,” Miles Mason said.