By Norashae Patterson
Sports Writer
On Saturday, Jan. 25 Hayesville High School traveled to Andrews High School to compete in the Smoky Mountain wrestling individual conference tournament. The team won 12 medals for their exceptional performance. Three schools had a conference champion, including Hayesville.
The conference champion in the 106-pound weight class was Parker Hughes. Moving on to the medals, Mason Ray placed third in the class for 126-pound weights. Jameson Dawson placed second in the weight division at 132 pounds. Patrick Denton was second in the 150-pound weight class. In the weight class of 157 pounds, Andrew Reynolds placed second. Second place went to Robert Manning in the 175-pound weight class. Third place went to Edwin Nava in the 215-pound weight class. Second place went to Rayland Martinez in the 285-pound weight class.
The awards of these medals are due to all the hard work the wrestlers have shown this season. At the SMC Duals, the Hayesville men's team got second place in the conference, only losing to Robbinsville High School. Coach White said, “The team has demonstrated a constant level of improvement for the entire season. As a young team with only one senior, the progress that the wrestlers have shown has been phenomenal. The future is bright for Hayesville Wrestling.”
All four girls brought home a medal, demonstrating their remarkable progress. Third place went to Maddie Graves in the 138-pound weight class. Pyper Ledford placed second in the weight division at 145 pounds. Fara Ammons placed third in the weight division at 152 pounds. In the 165-pound weight class, Amelia Manning placed second. As we approach regionals we can see if the team is up for the challenge.