State duals titles in hand, Bradley Central, Red Bank wrestlers return to work

State duals champs Bradley Central, Red Bank prep for traditional time

First year wrestling head coach Shane Turner yells as his players practice at Red Bank High School on Thursday.
First year wrestling head coach Shane Turner yells as his players practice at Red Bank High School on Thursday.

There were distinct celebrations for two area prep wrestling teams this weekend.

As Red Bank coach Shane Turner leaned his head back Sunday afternoon with the idea of catching up on sleep, the Bradley Central Bears were rolling through Cleveland with a police escort.

For Bradley, the bus drive through town was perhaps another affirmation that the program was back atop Tennessee's elite. It was the extension of a celebration that began Saturday night following a Class AAA state duals championship victory over Soddy-Daisy and continued at a gathering for the team and its supporters at their hotel.

They actually ate pizza.

"We had a little gathering, ate a little and patted everybody on the back," Bears coach Ben Smith said. "But everybody was tired, and we all went to bed relatively early."

Red Bank's celebration of its Class A/AA championship was much less extensive, the Lions' coach said.

"We celebrated while we were in the arena and then headed for home," Turner said. "I did give them today off, so I guess you could say that was part of the celebration."

When asked if he was worried about getting his team back down to earth, Turner chuckled.

"Not today," he replied. "These kids deserve to be as close to cloud nine as they can get. That's for sure."

The Lions had to overcome two stiff challenges at the state duals in Franklin - against Alcoa in the semifinals and defending champion Pigeon Forge in the championship match.

"It's almost like it's a dream," Turner said. "I know we won, and I'm happy, but I'm happy more for the kids than for me. That's who this is all about."

Although plans were still in the works, Red Bank wrestlers may get to revisit their championship later this week with a schoolwide pep rally.

Turner's plan, though, was to get back to work this afternoon, because there is precious little time for celebration or even reflection. The Lions will be the favorite when the two-day Region 4-A/AA traditional tournament begins Friday at Hixson Middle School.

Likewise, Bradley Central will go back to work today with its eye on the Region 4-AAA tournament at Ocoee Middle on Saturday.

"To me the traditional tournaments are a little more relaxing," Smith said. "You're not dealing with strategy and bumping and moving kids in and out of the lineup. We'll tailor practices toward these guys individually and get them critiqued and fine-tuned mentally, physically and nutritionally."

But the season continues. The top four finishers in each weight class at region advance to the state tournament Feb. 18-20 in Franklin.

Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him on Twitter @wardgossett.

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