The Putnam County wrestling program will be well represented at the state traditionals meet this weekend. The team is sending five wrestlers to compete for individual state titles.
On the girls’ side, Lily Armistead (115 pounds), Ashlyn Fuller (170), and Kannericka Nelson (235) each punched their tickets to the state traditionals tournament after wrestling in the sectionals round in Commerce last week.
Their performances helped Putnam County tie for fifth statewide, with the most qualifiers behind the top team, which had eight wrestlers advance. The Lady War Eagles hope all three will place at the state meet.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls,” Putnam County wrestling head coach Joe Hutsell said. “There are only 16 girls in each weight class, so the qualifiers represent the entire state for their weight.”
The Putnam boys had a couple of strong showings, too, with Zaccariah Long (190) and Joe Ward (215) both qualifying for state. Last year, Long was the lone War Eagle to qualify for the state meet, so having Ward along this year is special.
“The boys who qualified were the hardest workers, so it’s nice that their hard work paid off,” Hutsell said.
Hutsell added that he hopes each one of his wrestlers places at the final meet of the 2025-26 season. The state traditionals meet will take place Feb. 11-14, at the Clayton County Convocation Center in Morrow.