Madison County finished fourth in its own tournament Saturday but came agonizingly close to placing a couple spots higher.
The team compiled a 3-2 record at the Red Raider Duals held at the Madison County Middle School gym, losing narrowly to Chestatee (37-36) and Athens Christian (39-37).
Wins were within Madison County’s grasp in both cases, but a couple of untimely pins denied the Red Raiders two victories.
“We were just one match away on either side ... Both those matches I think we should have won — just little mistakes,” Madison County coach Richie Houston said.
Still, several Madison County wrestlers had big days on their own home floor.
Isaac Ruiz (145-lb.), Cody Phillips (119-lb.) and Colton Phillips (125-lb.) all went 5-0.
Meanwhile, Tyler Adams finished 4-1 at 215-lb. in his first tournament back from injury. Max Nash (112-lb.), Kyle Gordon (189-lb.) and Kyle Bates (152-lb.) also finished 4-1.
Commerce won the event, followed by Athens Christian, Chestatee and then Madison County.
“Commerce was just head and shoulders above everyone else,” Houston said.
Breaking from tradition, Madison County held the event at the middle school since this year (as well as a USA youth wrestling event the following day). The Red Raider Duals are usually hosted at the Madison County High School gym.
Houston said the relocated event went well.
“I think it was, financially, a pretty successful weekend,” Houston said.
The coach said there are pros and cons of hosting the event at MCMS. The middle school gym provides a little more floor space and a better locker room area, but doesn’t have the mezzanine viewing space that the high school gym offers.
Houston isn’t sure if the Red Raiders Duals will remain at MCMS next year or if they will return to the high school gym.
“It’s think it’s something we’ll have to think about,” Houston said.
Madison County entered the tournament fresh off a 64-12 victory over Washington-Wilkes Dec. 15. Winners were Brett Coggins (112-lb.), Nash (119-lb.), Cody Phillips (125-lb.), Colton Phillips (130-lb.), Caleb McCain (135-lb.), Jesse Truelove (140-lb.), Ruiz (145-lb.), Bates (152-lb.), Steven Resby (171-lb.), Tanner Johnson (189-lb.), Adams (215-lb.) and Matt Dove (285-lb.).
