Devan Espinosa was the top dog for the Winder-Barrow High School wrestling program this season.
The 125-pound competitor earned a top eight finish at the Class AAAA state meet last week at the Gwinnett Arena. Espinosa’s run at state was catapulted by a first-round pin against Stephen Plante of Starrs Mill, the No. 2 seed.
“It was an exciting first round match,” said WBHS coach Chad Horne. “To have Devan, a No. 7 seed, pin a No. 2 seed was really exciting. It was a big upset. We were very excited about it.”
Espinosa then fell to Cody Coleman of Cass High School but rebounded for a victory against Marco Vanderwant of Forsyth Central. A loss to an opponent from Ola High School would end the tournament for Espinosa although that match could have gone either way.
Fellow Mat Bulldogg Will Whisenant fell to David Thornton of Murray County and Roland Thomas of Fayette County on points.
“State was a growing experience for Will,” Horne said. “Just being there at the biggest tournament of the year in that arena with wrestling taking place on 12 mats is something unique. It’s even tough for the wrestlers to hear their coaches. It can be overwhelming.”
Just a sophomore, Whisenant will learn from this year’s trip to state and be primed for a return venture next season, his coach said.
“I expect him to be back and have those first-time jitters out of the way,” Horne said. “This season was a success because from what I understand WBHS didn’t have anyone qualify for state last year.”
