Five teams to watch
(listed in alphabetical order)› Baylor: The Red Raiders will contend for the Division II-AA titles with eight returning state medalists led by Mason Reiniche and Khamari Whimper.› Bradley Central: The reigning Class AAA state champions graduated five state medalists including three finalists, but there will be little if any drop-off in production.› Cleveland: Josh Bosken was instrumental in the Blue Raiders’ state-title development while operating in a background role. The Blue Raiders are young, but the program is strong from the youth groups right up the ladder.› Heritage: The Generals return eight wrestlers who scored in last season’s GHSA traditional state championships, led by champion Chuckie Thurman and Daniel and Dylan Jernagin.› Ringgold: The Tigers were one of Georgia’s biggest surprises last season and return seven wrestlers who scored in the state meet. Among the returners are champion Griffin Green and super sophomores Tanner Stone, Holden Moss and Will Broom.
Five wrestlers to watch
(listed in alphabetical order)› Judah Duhm, McCallie: A state champion 160-pounder last year, he also placed fifth at the postseason Prep Nationals.› Knox Fuller, Bradley Central: A 138-pounder a year ago, he’s looking for his fourth state championship.› Chris Henderson, Ridgeland: The returning state champion at 220 is coming off a 52-win campaign and already has a tournament title at Buford wrestling up at 285.› T.J. Hicks, Bradley Central: He may not be in the lineup early, but the two-time state champion will be at 113 pounds by January.› Chuckie Thurman, Heritage: He was dominant last year, winning the 126-pound state title. During a 57-2 season he had 38 pins and 14 technical falls.
Because of the extended football season and a handful of injuries, Bradley Central wrestling isn’t close to where coach Ben Smith foresees the Bears being after New Year’s celebrations.
“We’re probably about 65 percent where we need to be and want to be come February,” he said of the sport’s postseason tournament series.
He and his team, though, are still the envy of every Tennessee wrestling program. The Bears are defending state champions for both the team and traditional state tournaments at Franklin’s Williamson County Agricultural Expo.