For those who bemoaned Chattanooga’s loss of the traditional state wrestling tournament and would like to see it return, the future is bleak.
The future looks good for state championship wrestling to remain in Franklin at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo, especially in light of the financial statements.
The Ag Expo, which also now hosts the traditional state tournaments that were held at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Maclellan Gym and McKenzie Arena for decades, has room for 11 mats, although only eight were down this past weekend. The building is available to the TSSAA rent-free, and Brentwood coach Joe Blair and other midstate coaches have worked hard to make sure the host schools fulfill their responsibilities.
“It’s a nice arrangement the way we have it,” said Mark Reeves of the TSSAA. “It starts with the [volunteer] work force. Our ability to be here hinges on the community at the host site being willing to work. If we have that work force, it’s a good place to be, and we’re comfortable here as long as they’re comfortable having us.”
In its first year at Franklin last year, the state duals tournament showed a profit. Reeves didn’t feel comfortable saying it was a record year, adding that he didn’t go back far enough with the TSSAA to know for sure.