Is there really no place like home?
Beyond asking Dorothy, the debate may be raging in McCallie's wrestling room. The Blue Tornado wrestlers had to go all the way to Ohio to get their first win of the season, and that one came on overtime criteria.
Although not at home, they were at least within Chattanooga city limits Friday when they picked up win number two, a 45-24 decision over state-ranked Thompson, Ala., at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Maclellan Gym. The match was a prelude to UTC's meet with Purdue.
"I thought we wrestled well. Thompson is a solid team," McCallie coach Mike Newman said after his team improved to 2-4 following a bout with Bradley Central and three bouts with state-championship-caliber teams in Ohio.
McCallie and Thompson will get their fill of challenges today. Both are competing in the Cleveland Duals, which also boasts the host Blue Raiders, Soddy-Daisy, Marietta Pope, Woodland, Ga., and Tennessee's top-ranked teams -- Father Ryan and Baylor.
McCallie still is not at full strength but gave just one forfeit Friday while receiving two.
"In that case it's always better to get than give," Newman said with a smile.
McCallie won nine of the 14 bouts including the forfeits awarded to Will Patton (160) and Walker Daugherty (170). They gave a forfeit at 195 but expect to have Trell Phillips back by the McCallie Invitational next weekend.
McCallie got pins from James Westbrooks (126), Anders Heald (152), Ariel Bong (182) and Jay Roberts (285).
"A big win for Anders," Newman said. "He's a sophomore in his first year on the varsity, and he has seen some tough competition to start the year. Getting the wins is always a confidence-booster for the younger guys."
Roberts is undefeated including some tough matches last weekend in Ohio, and Newman was pleased with that win as well as the victory by sophomore heavyweight River Henry.
"Roberts has looked good all season, and River kept himself in position to win. Their guy was second in the state last year, but he made a mistake and River was able to take advantage," Newman said.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.