Billy Swanson, top, of Soddy-Daisy High School wrestles Jay Rudwall of Ooltewah High School in the semifinals of the 219 pound weight class at the Soddy-Daisy Showdown Invitational. Swanson won.From their early days in kids clubs, wrestlers have aspired to become state champions.
They have poured out gallons of sweat in practice rooms, running, riding bikes or lifting weights. They have shunned not just fast-food joints but other more acceptable foods in favor of lettuce, celery or carrots and the occasional baked or broiled chicken breast.
Since 1989 and Tennessee’s first dual team championships, the state’s wrestlers have had two separate goals.
“Many of our kids wear their state championship rings to school every day,” said Garrick Hall, whose Hixson teams have claimed the last two Class A/AA state duals trophies.
Hixson won a traditional state title in 1973 but, with enrollment around 800, now competes against schools with more than 1,500 students. The Wildcats’ chances of repeating that feat have diminished severely.