2026 Blackman Blaze – Region 4 Traditional Champs

Murfreesboro, TN | February 2026

The Blackman Blaze continued their historic run of excellence Saturday by winning the 2026 TSSAA Region 4 Traditional Championship, marking the fifth straight year the program has swept both the Region Dual and Region Traditional titles.

The tournament brought together 15 Middle Tennessee teams and 180 wrestlers competing for just 56 sectional berths (14 weight classes × top 4 advance). The level of competition was intense from the opening whistle to the final medal match, but the Blaze once again proved they are among the state’s elite.

Blackman advanced nine wrestlers to next weekend’s Sectional Championships and crowned five Region Champions — an incredible achievement in one of the state’s toughest regions. For five other Blaze wrestlers, the season came to an emotional end, a tough reality of postseason wrestling. For the nine who advanced, the day was filled with grit, comebacks, championship moments, and standout performances.

The Blaze posted a commanding 255 team points on the day, outpacing Warren County (215) and Stewarts Creek (187). Other Rutherford county teams in the hunt were Riverdale (5th), Oakland (6th), and Siegel (8th).

⭐ Major Highlights

Drew Workman Locks up a Cradle vs Siegel in the Finals.

Andrew Workman: Region Champion, Outstanding Wrestler & Region Wrestler of the Year

At 120 pounds, Andrew Workman delivered one of the most impressive performances in the entire tournament. He spent barely over four minutes on the mat across all rounds, recording two pins and a dominant tech fall in the championship. His dominance earned him:

Outstanding Wrestler (Lower Weights)
Region Wrestler of the Year

Workman improved to 44–2 on the season and enters sectional as one of the tournament favorites.

Trevor Steffy’s Comeback Championship

Region 4 Champion Trevor Steffy Locks up a Cradle in the Finals vs Riverdale.

The story of the afternoon came at 165 pounds, where Trevor Steffy battled through a tough bracket and capped the day with a dramatic come-from-behind 10–9 win over Riverdale’s David Mooney in the finals. After trailing late, Steffy surged to win the region title — a defining moment in his sophomore campaign.

Coach Heathcott Named Region Coach of the Year

Region 4 Coach of the Year – John Heathcott poses with Wrestler of the Year Drew Workman.

Adding to the team’s big day, Coach Heathcott was voted Region 4 Coach of the Year, a long-overdue honor after years of Blackman’s sustained excellence. Under his leadership, the Blaze have now won five straight region titles in both duals and traditional competition.

Coach Heathcott Reflects on the Day

“I am so proud of our boys! They showed up to compete today and left it all on the mat. And off the mat, well, we are just family! Our cheering section was the loudest and proudest as usual, and it was electric all day. From the first whistle, it was evident that they were not going to leave that gym with any regrets. I know some left without their goal, but they all performed like champions.

I hurt for my two seniors who came up just short of advancing, but they came up big with who they are and what they stand for. Better People Make Better Teams, and that is where we start. I am so proud to be a part of something so special.”

Germaia Ewida Wrestles for the Gold at Regions.

🏆 Blackman’s 2026 Region Champions (5)

106 – Germaia Ewida (37–14)
120 – Andrew Workman (44–2)
144 – Landon McLean (43–3)
150 – Eli Goodin (48–7)
165 – Trevor Steffy (37–11)

🎟️ Blackman’s Sectional Qualifiers (9 Total)

(Top 4 advance)

106 – Germaia Ewida (1st)
113 – Mason Davison (4th)
120 – Andrew Workman (1st)
132 – Carter Hughes (4th)
138 – Douglas Barksdale (3rd)
144 – Landon McLean (1st)
150 – Eli Goodin (1st)
157 – Peyton Pickens (4th)
165 – Trevor Steffy (1st)

💪 Final Thoughts

The Blaze not only earned another championship but also showed the depth, discipline, and toughness that have defined the program. While five wrestlers saw their seasons end today, the entire team contributed to Blackman’s 255-point championship performance.

Connor Rose Wrestles at the TSSAA Region Tournament

Next weekend, the Blaze will host the Sectional Tournament at Blackman High School, where they’ll face the best from Region 3 and fight for spots in the TSSAA State Championships.

Blackman Wrestling is rolling — and the postseason is just getting started.

“Back to work for us and the 9 sectional qualifiers. Time to earn that ticket to State!” – Coach H.