The wrestling team is sending a school record nine grapplers to the Georgia High School State Meet, which begins this Thursday at the Gwinnett Arena and concludes Saturday.
Coach Jeff Walrich’s squad captured fifth among 20 teams and was only four points out of third.
“For us to send this many to state is evidence of how hard these kids have worked and all the sicknesses and injuries they have overcome,” Walrich said. “It was a great day for HIES wrestling and I’m excited about the upcoming state event.”
The Bears emerged with two Area Champions – freshman Jason Grimes at 140 and sophomore Lee Davis at 152. Grimes bested the top seed in the finals while Davis overcame the #5, #2 and #1 seeds to earn his title.
Two earned runner-up honors – brothers Court Fanning (119) and Wes Fanning (125). Finishing fifth at 171 was Charlie Rousseau, while sixth place went to Walker Snellings at 112.
Three took eighth – Jack Watts at 130, Holland Hailey at 135 and Jack Thomson at 215.
The Bears are finishing up a great season that included their first ever appearance in the State Duals three weeks ago.
