MACON – Last week, Morgan County’s wrestling team ended the 2024-25 season in impressive fashion.
Senior Paul Bessette and juniors Clay Turner and Jatavious Ward were the Mat Dogs who secured a spot on the podium for placing in the top six of their respective weight classes at the state traditional meet.
Morgan County head coach Duane Turner was proud of all three who placed at the state meet.
“It’s unbelievable,” Turner told the Lake Oconee News. “They worked so hard this year and set a standard.”
Bessette, who had previously placed at the state meet, finished fifth in the 138-pound weight class. The senior Mat Dog lost in the quarterfinal but went 3-1 down the to earn a spot on the podium.
Bessette defeated Hart County’s Ben Westmaas in the consolation bracket to place. He also scored 16 points for Morgan County with his fifth-place finish.
“It was good to see Paul end his career on a good note,” his coach said. “He’s been through a lot of disappointment but has never let it deter him.”
Ward and Turner were first-time qualifiers for the state traditional meet and placed third in their respective weight classes.
Ward competed in the 215-pound weight class. Like Bessette, Ward lost in the quarterfinal but won his next four matches to secure a third-place finish. He also added 14 points to his team’s total.
Ward won a 30-10 decision over the Lovett School’s Kieran Boland to place.
Turner, the coach’s son, finished third in the heavyweight division. The junior won his first two matches but lost to Cook’s Kyle Terrell in the semifinal.
Turner bounced back by winning his next two matches. He defeated Holy Innocents’ Colt McNamara in the third-place match to place and earned Morgan County 22 points.
“As for Clay and Jatavious, going from not being a varsity starter to being a state placer was phenomenal,” Turner said. “Jatvious is like a kid to me. He even calls me dad, and of course, Clay is my kid. So, for me, their success was special as a coach and a parent. I expect them to be on top of the podium next year.”
Morgan County had five other wrestlers compete at the state traditional meet. Jarrett Standard, Lachlan Behrndt, Blake Atkinson, Judson Carter, and Kaleo Wilcoxson also qualified.
The Mat Dogs return a strong core next season, and their coach hopes more will qualify for state.
“We’ve got a good group coming back,” Turner said. “I’m excited because the future is bright.”