Dynamite Dozen Dynasties No. 6: Baylor’s tradition of wrestling success in seventh decade

Staff photo / Baylor's Garrison Dendy, top, wrestles McCallie's Emory Taylor in a 152-pound bout in January 2021. Dendy, who won four individual state championships from 2019-22, is among the contributors to the Red Raiders' rich legacy as a wrestling program. Staff photo / Baylor's Garrison Dendy, top, wrestles McCallie's Emory Taylor in a 152-pound bout in January 2021. Dendy, who won four individual state championships from 2019-22, is among the contributors to the Red Raiders' rich legacy as a wrestling program.

By Patrick MacCoon April 8, 2023 4 min read

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the seventh in a series counting down the area’s top 12 prep dynasties of the past 50 years.

Step inside Baylor School’s Worsham Memorial Wrestling Arena, and you’ll find a wall filled with pictures of state champions.

For seven decades running, the Red Raiders have produced multiple individual champs each decade, resulting in a grand total of 82 wrestlers who have finished first in their weight class to combine for a TSSAA-record 137 state titles since 1961.

Baylor’s 19 team championships at the state traditional tournament — including the past five Division II crowns — also rank first in TSSAA history, and the Red Raiders have also won 13 state duals championships, with all of those coming since 2001.

Beyond its Tennessee success, Baylor is considered one of the top all-time programs in the Southeast and has received national recognition as well.