The greater Chattanooga area continues to outwork the rest of the state on the high school wrestling mat.
A total of 87 TSSAA state championship plaques — including both dual and traditional — have been awarded to local programs over the past 23 years. The turn of the century was the last time the area was shut out from winning a team title.
If the boys’ side was not dominant enough, which includes Cleveland winning six straight dual and traditional titles, there looks to be a perennial powerhouse taking form in that of the Cleveland Lady Blue Raiders as well.
After becoming the first girls’ wrestling program in TSSAA history to sweep the duals and traditional tournaments in 2023, the Lady Blue Raiders only lost one starter from last year’s undefeated season. Coach Josh Bosken’s program has doubled in size, with 28 on the roster for the 2023-24 campaign.
Home to world champion Piper Fowler, Cleveland has even more firepower surrounding its junior superstar, who wants to one day compete for Team USA in the Olympics.