Chance McClure bested one of the top wrestlers in the state last weekend, to lead the Tigers to a ninth place finish in the competitive Panther Invitational.
McClure (4-0) finished first in the 220-weight class, beating North Gwinnett’s Brett Byerly (3-1) by major decision in the finals.
Cody Legg finished fourth in his 106-weight class, losing two one-point matches in the tournament. Trent Reddish (170) also placed fourth. Reddish lost a one-point match in the semis before securing fourth in the traditional format tournament.
The Tigers finished ninth overall out of 20 teams competing and was the top Class A team with 83.5 total points.
“We were without any entries in four weight classes, so we did well finishing in the top 10,” said coach Kendall Love. “I felt like our guys wrestled hard and did well against some of the best teams in the state from all classifications. We definitely have a long ways to go, but I feel like we grew up some during the tournament and got better.”
The weekend event capped a successful opening week of competition. Commerce triumphed in its opening two wrestling matches last week, defeating Mill Creek 44-21 and East Jackson 54-12 in duals competition.
“I felt like we wrestled well for our first matches of the year. Obviously, there are a lot of things we need to get better at and improve on,” he said. “We are a very young team that should get better as the season progresses.”
The coach expected the competition to stiffen this week when the team traveled Tuesday to North Hall where the Tigers faced North Hall and South Forsyth. Results were not available as of press time.
“We see a lot of tough competition throughout the year,” Love said. “That way when we get to area and state it can be a little bit of a break for them.”
The team will focus the next few weeks on rounding out and solidifying the lineup, Love said, adding that there are a couple of guys he expects to put into the rotation as the season progresses.
“Hopefully we will get them back soon and improve as a team,” Love said.
Results
Winners against Mill Creek included: Cody Legg (competing in the 113 weight class); Josh Westmoreland (145); Thomas Sweeney (160), Trent Reddish (170); Cole Sweeney (182); Brian Whitfield (195); Chance McClure (220); Aaron Kyle (285).
Winners against East Jackson: Cody Legg (113); Nick Henderson (126); Malik Turner (138); Josh Westmoreland (145); Christian Hawkins (152); Thomas Sweeney (160); Trent Reddish (170); Cole Sweeney (182); Brian Whitfield (195); Chance McClure (285).
This week
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 9-10 at Apalachee Tournament, 5 p.m., 9 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17 at Madison Co. Duals, 9 a.m.
