The Tiger grapplers are a few days away from starting their season.
Commerce will be one of a number of schools at the Panther Invitational at Jackson County High School this Friday and Saturday. The matches start at 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday.
Wrestling coach Kendall Love said that the Mat Tigers are going to have a challenge at the opener.
“We will have our work cut out for us in this tournament. It is a very tough opening to our season,” said Love.
Opponents at the invitational include previous Class A state champion Jefferson, now the number one team in AA; Gilmer County that is described by Love as a perennial powerhouse, and the very tough AAAA Alcovy.
Commerce has a number of grapplers working to get into wrestling form and make weight, but Love is confident that in a few weeks the team will be up to par.
“I have been pleased with our progress so far, although we are nowhere near where I expect us to be in a few weeks,” Love said. “Our guys will compete hard and we will see how it turns out.”
The Tigers have several football players still working to get into wrestling form, but Love said they’re already in a good shape from playing football.
“It takes a few weeks for them to get acclimated,” said Love. “I love getting wrestlers that also play
football. They usually have a wrestler’s mentality and do well.”
The Panther Invitational will open the Tigers’ season and provide several area teams for competition, including Banks County, Jackson County, Winder-Barrow and former region rival Jefferson.
