TRION, Ga. — What may have seemed like a minor event played a huge role in Trion’s one-point loss in the GHSA Class A state duals final.
After steamrolling its first two opponents in Saturday’s eight-team bracket, the 2022 champions prepared to face their biggest challenge, Mount Pisgah Christian, for the title. Trion’s Eric Brock, as most wrestling coaches do, had a game plan in mind that involved matching up certain wrestlers at certain weight classes if he could.
That all changed when the opening coin toss didn’t go in Trion’s favor, allowing Mount Pisgah the final choice in what Brock considered a couple of critical bouts. After the 33-32 loss, Brock lamented the missed opportunity.
“The odd/even toss was a big factor,” he said. “I think if we win the toss, I could have forced the matches I wanted, but it went the other way. We also missed out on bonus points during one of the matches that turned out to be huge.”
The championship dual began at 126 pounds, and the missed bonus points came at 190 pounds. Trion trailed 20-16 entering the bout and had a clear edge with Lane Harris. However, despite scoring 16 points, Harris managed to only get a four-point major decision that tied the match.