While there is some debate as to which team will win Tennessee’s Division I-AAA state championships in February, it seems likely tournament trophies will find their way back to Bradley County.
The question is whether those recognitions of excellence will come to reside at 1000 South Lee Highway, home base for Bradley Central’s Bears, or 850 Raider Drive, the address of 2014-15 state champion Cleveland.
Cleveland High School wrestling coach Jake Yost will try to lead his Blue Raiders to their fourth championships in the state duals and traditional tournament this season.Three teams to watch
1. Baylor: The Red Raiders have power that includes three-time defending champions Ryan Parker, who just finished a standout football season, and Virginia-bound Michael Murphy.2. Bradley Central: Finishing third in last season’s state duals and runner-up in the traditional tournament left the Bears with an empty feeling. They return the most points from last year’s traditional tournament, and they’re hungry to finish climbing the pinnacle.3. Red Bank: The Lions have a pair of state champions — Devin Crawl and Gabe Duffy — among eight seniors, but a 33-31 loss to Hixson kept them at home for the state duals, and they’re looking to get over the hump.
Three wrestlers to watch
1. Michael Murphy, Baylor: He’s finally a senior. He’s been around for an eternity and will be looking for his fifth state medal and fourth state championship.2. Tucker Russo, Soddy-Daisy: He’s a two-time state champion and three-time medalist.3. Devin Crawl, Red Bank: He’s a returning state champ and two-time state finalist.
“We have some big shoes to fill,” Cleveland coach Jake Yost said. “The class that came through and graduated is the most decorated in Cleveland history.”