The Morgan County wrestling team was busy wrapping up the first part of the season last week.
On Jan. 13, the Mat Dogs hosted and placed first overall in the area’s teams duals tournament, earning them a spot at the Class 2A state championships in Columbus High School four days later.
Morgan County’s wrestling team hosted several teams from the area, including schools from around Augusta. The Mat Dogs blazed their way through the competition by not losing a match.
“I’m proud of the guys,” Morgan County head coach Duane Turner said. “They showed up to work.”
Morgan County didn’t place at the state team competition, though. The Mat Dogs easily defeated Jordan High School, 57-23, before getting an unlucky draw and facing powerhouse Rockmart in the second round. The Yellow Jackets eventually won the Class 2A title and defeated them 61-13.
The loss to Rockmart sent Morgan County to the loser’s bracket, where it lost to Union County.
Heading into the state meet, Turner knew it would be challenging, as his team would likely face Rockmart.
“We competed very well,” he said. “Unfortunately, we came up short against Rockmart, the eventual champion, and Union County, who finished fourth. I’m proud of our team and how we competed.”
Despite the result, Turner knows his team is hitting its stride at the right time. He’s seen his wrestlers make significant progress since the beginning of the season.
“We’re finally starting to put it all together,” Turner said last week. “Earlier in the season, we had a few injuries and had some guys that had to make weight. So, the first part of the season is just feeling things out, seeing what you got, and seeing what you can do. And once we get to January, it’s all about putting it together. I think we’re coming together at the right time, so it’s good.”
This year’s team is young, with only four seniors and four juniors on the roster, and its youth has shown.
However, veterans Paul Bessette, Kaleo Wilcoxson, and Clay Turner have been “carrying the water” this year.
“Those three are the ones we pretty much count on every time out,” Turner added.
Bessette wrestles in the 138-pound and 144-pound weight classes. Wilcox competes in the 190-pound weight class, and Turner, who weighs 285 pounds, represents the team in the heavyweight division.
Morgan County wrestling’s second-year head coach hopes these veterans can help motivate the team to send multiple wrestlers to the state individual tournament at the Macon Centreplex next month.
The Mat Dogs will host the area’s traditional tournament on Feb. 1. The top four in each weight class will advance to sectionals at North Murray on Feb. 8. At sectionals, the top six in each weight class will advance to the state championships at the Macon Centreplex the following week.
“The goal is to always send as many as we can to Macon every year,” Turner said. “I know we can do it.”