The Chattanooga area continues to dominate the state high school wrestling scene.
On Monday, the Tennessee Sports Writers Association tabbed 56 local wrestlers to its all-state team with the Cleveland Blue Raiders leading the way with 11 selections after Joey Knox’s program swept the state dual and traditional tournament titles for the eighth year in a row.
Meanwhile, East Ridge junior Samarah Tafiti became the first all-state selection for her program as she went 29-2 overall on her way to a third-place finish at the girl’s state tournament, where she went 5-1 with four victories by pins.
Baylor, Cleveland and Soddy Daisy pummeled their way to sweeps of the state duals and traditional team tournaments, while Signal Mountain was runner-up in both tournaments with Chattanooga Christian and McCallie also runners-up in the state duals.
The Blue Raiders eleven all-state selections are Jose Cordero (113 pounds), Chase Walker (120), Colt Maughon (126), Zac Bosken (132), Kellen Sanders (138), Gary High (150), Joshua Pulley (165), Cy Fowler (175), Rock Shurette (190), Gabe Moore (215) and Tyson Russell (285). Cleveland’s 244.5 team points at the state traditional tournament were more than any other team in the state.