Last week, Putnam County’s wrestling teams competed at the Area-4A traditionals tournament.
The War Eagles sent five wrestlers to the sectionals round, and the Lady War Eagles had four advance.
Putnam County head coach Andy Rewis was proud of his wrestlers and knew that sending that many to sectionals was a good look for the program. He hopes more kids see the team’s success and come out next year.
“We were real happy and proud of them. They all worked hard to get to where they are,” Rewis said of the nine Putnam County wrestlers who made it to sectionals. “These things that you have to qualify for help your program. Getting more people to come out and get a little publicity for the program, so that will help us.”
Lily Armistead's performance was the highlight for the Lady War Eagles. She placed first in the 110-pound weight division.
Armistead is only a freshman, and she’s only lost a handful of matches this season.
Putnam County’s girls also had two second-place finishers in Ashlyn Fuller (170 pounds) and Kannericka Nelson (235 pounds). Michelle Hernandez is also headed to sectionals to compete in the 125-pound weight division.
Putnam County’s boys had no first or second-place finishers, but five qualified for sectionals.
Bryson Brown (175 pounds) and Zac Long (215 pounds) placed third. Kaiden Bedley (113 pounds), Wyatt Suggs (150 pounds), and Josh Grimes (165 pounds) all placed fourth at the sectionals tournament last week.
The top six wrestlers from each sectional tournament in Classes 3A-A will advance to Macon. Since Classes 3A-A will host two sectionals, 12 wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the state meet next week.
The Lady War Eagles will wrestle at Central Gwinnett on Friday. The War Eagles will compete at Social Circle on Saturday.
Rewis has high expectations for his nine wrestlers and wants all nine kids to advance to Macon. He said the wrestlers on both teams have been pushing each other hard over the last few weeks, and he’s proud of them.
“For the boys and girls, I think they all have a chance to get through to the top six in each weight class,” Rewis said. “To get all nine of them through – that’s the expectation. That’s what we’re hoping for. It will be tough, though.”