ARMED with six state qualifiers, Jackson County has its sights set on a top 10 finish in Class AA when it takes to the wrestling mat this week at Gwinnett Arena.
The tournament runs from Thursday to Saturday.
Michael Shekey (fifth, 106 lb.), J.T. Wood (third, 113 lb.), Zach Moore (second, 120 lb.), Conner Andreasen (fourth, 126 lb.), Bryan Burnette (fourth, 145-lb.) and Daivon Ledford (third, 160 lb.) all qualified after strong sectional performances in Dublin.
“We were not only able to advance six, but five of them placed in the top four and the other placed fifth,” Jackson County coach Jason Powers said. “This gives all of the wrestlers an excellent opportunity to find the podium at the state tournament.”
The goal is to place all six individuals and finish in the top 10 as a team.
“We just missed out on that goal last year by placing 11th, but as long as we wrestle tough in Gwinnett like we did in Dublin, then we should find our way into the top 10,” Powers said.
The coach added that he hopes one or two of his wrestlers can advance to the finals. Jackson County has had a state champion three of the last four years.
“Our sectional has proven to be the tougher sectional in a couple of weight classes again,” Powers said. “Some of our wrestlers have beaten the top seeds from the other side which is another good omen going into the tournament. As long as we relax and wrestle I have no doubt that we will be pleased with our performance when Saturday night comes around.”
