Meet the player who won a wrestling match and a basketball game hours apart for two different schools

Prep sports notebook: Marion County's Reece Barton pulls off rare two-sport feat, Chattanooga area players make commitments

Marion County senior Reece Barton played receiver and defensive back for the school's football team this past fall, and this winter he is playing basketball for the Warriors but also competing for Whitwell's co-op wrestling program. Marion County does not have a wrestling team.
Marion County senior Reece Barton played receiver and defensive back for the school's football team this past fall, and this winter he is playing basketball for the Warriors but also competing for Whitwell's co-op wrestling program. Marion County does not have a wrestling team.

Marion County High School senior Reece Barton accomplished a rare feat last week, competing in a varsity wrestling match and a varsity basketball game on the same day, each for a different school.

Barton, who wrestles for Whitwell High School's co-op program because Marion County does not have a team, donned a red singlet for the Tigers to open the Region 3-A/AA duals championship against Signal Mountain last Thursday. After pinning his first-round opponent in 1:20 in the 182-pound weight class, the 6-foot-6 Barton switched uniforms, traveled to Sequatchie County High School and came up big again, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a pair of blocks to help Marion County's basketball team win 56-50.

"It was my first time wrestling a match in seven years," Barton said. "I was nervous, but once I got out there I remembered my moves. It was the coolest experience to turn right around and go play basketball. I have so much respect for both schools because I went to Whitwell from kindergarten through seventh grade before I moved."

Barton believes training with former Red Bank wrestler Jonah Bird, a state champion two years ago, and his experience long ago in the Baylor Wrestling Club under coach Mike Sutherland can help him make a strong postseason run. He will return to the mat to compete in the region traditional tournament Feb. 8-9 at Eagleville, where he will try to earn his way to the state tournament at the Williamson County Expo Center as an individual.

"Reece is a special young kid who is doing great things in sports and in the classroom," Whitwell wrestling coach Jacky Blosser said. "It's rare what he has accomplished. We are also proud he made a 28 on his ACT. We are excited to see where he goes from here."

Barton is also drawing the interest of college football programs after catching seven touchdowns and intercepting six passes for the Warriors last fall. He is projected to play tight end at the next level.

Tennessee State-bound

A trio of area high school players - Tyner's Solomon Bridgeman and Cleveland teammates David Dorsey and Alex Williams - recently committed to Tennessee State University's football program.

Bridgeman, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound linebacker/defensive lineman, ranked among the area leaders in tackles with 70. Dorsey (5-11, 175), a defensive back, was among the area interceptions leaders with six. Williams (6-2, 247) earned all-state honors in Class 6A as an offensive lineman but likely will play defensive line for the Tigers.

"When I went on my visit, just seeing how close-knit the players and coaches are and the type family atmosphere they have is what sold me," Bridgeman said. "I spoke to some of the players who are already there, and I really like how they treat the student-athletes and make sure you succeed outside of sports as well.

"It's also a relief to know that I'll be playing somewhere close enough to home that my mom and family can come watch me play."

The Nashville program competes in the Football Championship Subdivision's Ohio Valley Conference. The Tigers went 4-5 overall and 3-4 in the OVC last season, their ninth under coach Rod Reed.

The traditional signing period for college football begins Feb. 6 with national signing day.

Ringgold OL commits

Ringgold offensive lineman Cade Nayadley (6-4, 270) has committed to Alabama's Jacksonville State, which has won a record five straight OVC titles.

Nayadley, who is projected to play offensive tackle for the Gamecocks, had previously committed to Austin Peay prior to a coaching change for the Governors.

"I took some more visits and I really felt more comfortable with the Jacksonville State coaches," Nayadley said. "It's a relief to have the process done and know I'm going to play for such a great program."

The Gamecocks have made six straight appearances in the FCS playoffs and reached the national title game in 2015.

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