HCMS Wrestling claims runner-up finishes at finals

HCMS Braves wrestling team at the small school finals in Temple last week. The Braves earned runner-up finishes in both the duals and traditional finals. (Photo: Scott Googe)

(Temple, GA) — The Heard County Middle School wrestling team earned strong second place finishes last week in both the duals and the traditional meets at the West Georgia Small School Wrestling Championship Thursday and Friday in Temple.

At the traditional meet on Friday, four Brave grapplers earned individual championships including two who finished the entire season with unblemished records.

Seventh-grader Jarred Coggin completed his season with a flawless record of 15-0 at 136 pounds.

Eighth-grader Bailey Parker went undefeated with a record of 17-0 in the 77 pound weight class.

Other Braves who claimed the impressive traditional championships included Levi Miller at 84 pounds and Ben Schory at 105 pounds.

The Braves competed versus Mount Zion, Temple, Bowdon, and Villa Rica at the two day event.

Braves who brought home second place medals included Michael Hedrick (91 pounds), Cole Tyus (98 pounds), Mason Gillespie (112 pounds), Mack Googe (120 pounds), Walker Gillespie (128 pounds), Timothy Skipper (152 pounds), and Travis Abernathy (160 pounds).

Third place medal winners were Luke Miller at 144 pounds and Luke Muller at 265 pounds.

The finish was strong for a middle Braves program that featured 11 grapplers competing in the sport for the first time this year.

The HCMS Braves were coached by Jimmy Haynes and Chris Tatum.

See video footage of the traditional finals below courtesy of Scott Googe.