Wrestlers Struggle in Season Opener

By EDDY GIFFORD
Sports Writer

The Dade County High School Wolverine wrestling team opened the 2022-2023 season Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Temple High School Duals in Temple.

The Wolverines were 1-4 in competition, starting their day with a 40-36 loss to Heard County in the first round. The Wolverines then tied Chattooga 36-36 in the second round but lost the match on criteria. The Wolverines dropped their third round match to Mt. Zion by the score of 43-36.

Dade County finally got into the win column with a 42-33 win over Crawford County. The final match up Saturday was against Temple, and Dade dropped that one 48-33.

Despite the team results, several individual Wolverines had good days. Eli Mason was 4-1, Colton Chase was 3-0, Gideon Moore was 3-0, Heidi Raines was 2-1, with her one loss due to injury default. Zane Murdock was 3-1. Landon Williams was 2-0, Aiden Kerns was 2-1, Jordan Casstellanos was 2-0, and Gabriel Yarbrough was 3-0.

Dade’s issues team–wise were due to forfeits. They were missing the 106-, 120-, and 126-pound weight classes all day. “We have too many kids stacked up in the same weight classes right now. We have a young group of talented wrestlers, so today was their introduction to the importance of being at the right weight for team success. It will take us a couple of weeks to get where we need to be weight class wise, but I think we will be okay, “ coach Jeff Poston said.

Dade County also had its first event for girls wrestling Saturday as four ladies competed in the girls’ tournament at Temple. Maleah Wilson finished third at 105 pounds. Abby Guffey finished third at 170 pounds, and Georgia Marter finished second in the 235-pound weight class. Jerzee Crabtree came within one match of medaling at 170 pounds.

“I was extremely excited for those girls to get their first wins. They have worked so hard all summer, and in the first few weeks of the season. I know we only have four girls right now, but I hope others will see these young ladies doing well and want to take a chance on wrestling,” Coach Poston added.

The Wolverines were back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 22 when they traveled to the Hillgrove Duals before the team heads to Model on Nov. 30.

The first home match of the season will come on Thursday, Dec. 1 against Chattooga and Signal Mountain with matches starting at 5:30 p.m.
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