The Jefferson Mat Dragons etched another page into their record book Saturday as they scored their tenth consecutive traditional state title, tying a state record with seven individual champions in the process.
Jefferson has had seven state champions twice before.
Among those coming home as state champions in their weight classes were Kyle Springer in the 103 lb. class, Cason Thurmond in the 112 lb. category, Isaac Kelly in the 119 lb. category, Cain Finch in the 140 lb. class, Forrest Przybysz in the 160 lb. class, Lucas Redd in the 189 lb. category and Zach Allen in the 215 lb. category.
Also placing during the meet were Clay Richardson, who took second in the 125 lb. class and Wayne Elliott, who placed third in the 145 lb. category.
The Mat Dragons scored 270 points for the win, outdistancing second place Henry County, who scored 175.
Earlier this year, Jefferson won their ninth dual state championship.
“They did great,” said coach Doug Thurmond. “We were real proud of them.”
Thurmond said winning the tenth consecutive state title felt “pretty dang good.”
“I know the streak’s going to end some time, but it’s nice that it didn’t end this year, so we’re going to enjoy it for another year.”
The Mat Dragons were again able to rise to the occasion, despite facing some pretty stout competition all season long. Thurmond said his wrestlers work very hard, and said he thinks that has a lot to do with it.
“When they come out, they expect to work hard and they expect to do well. They know what’s expected of them. We work them hard but they rise up to it. I think that speaks a lot for the kids.”
Thurmond said the 32 man bracket the team had to face “was a grind.”
For more on this story, see Wednesday's edition of The Jackson Herald.
