Blackman Wrestling Opens Preseason with Strong Showing at Tullahoma

The Blackman Blaze got their 2026–27 wrestling season underway Saturday at the Tullahoma Preseason Tournament, and both the boys and girls teams provided plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the new season.

Eight Champions Lead the Boys

For the boys, eight Blackman wrestlers captured individual championships, including Andrew Hisey, Jace Hawkins, Chad Humphries, Andrew Workman, Adonijah Hicks, Eli Goodin, Trevor Steffy and Tyson Spink. The Blaze also had several runners-up and additional podium finishes throughout the tournament.

Several veterans set the tone. Senior Andrew Workman, senior Adonijah Hicks and senior Tyson Spink each claimed titles, while juniors Chad Humphries, Eli Goodin and Trevor Steffy also captured gold. Senior Mason Davison added a third-place finish, and junior Mo Hussein and senior Ethan Clark each took second.

Head coach John Heathcott was pleased with what he saw from his team in its first competition.

“It was great to be back on the mat and kicking off our season. All we wanted to see was a continuation of what we have been working on, and we were proud of what we saw,” Heathcott said. “We wanted all the top matches with all the top wrestlers. We got that, and our boys were awesome all day.”

Building a Lion Mentality

Heathcott pointed to the team’s developing “Lion mentality” and the work being put in behind the scenes.

“Confidence isn’t a feeling. It is something that grows through practice, preparation, past accomplishments, choosing hard over easy, and proof you collect by following through on what you say you will do,” he said.

He also gave a special shoutout to the newcomers who stepped onto the mat for the first time, many with only five days of practice.

“Huge shout out to all our rookies who showed up and all earned their first and second wins,” Heathcott said. “There was sure a lot of good. Proud Coach – Back to Work.”

Lady Blaze Top the Girls Standings

The Lady Blaze had an equally impressive day, scoring more team points than any other girls program at the tournament. Sophomore Marina Saleb and freshmen McKenzie Grove and Reagan Robinson each went 3-0 to capture individual championships.

Coach Dane was particularly encouraged by the progress of the group and the performances from several newcomers.

“All of our brand-new wrestlers picked up wins today, and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort everyone showed,” Dane said.

He singled out Saleb’s performance, noting that her hard work throughout the summer is beginning to pay off. Grove also made an outstanding high school debut, winning all three of her matches in a tough bracket.

Dane praised Aria Thephavong for competing against opponents who outweighed her considerably, while also recognizing the effort of returning seniors Marian Saleb, Payton Holzhei and Joy Younan.

“Overall, what a great start to the season!” Dane said. “We still have a lot of work to do, and there are plenty of things we need to improve, but that’s what makes this sport fun.”

Next Up: Blackman Preseason Tournament

The preseason continues next Saturday, November 14, as Blackman hosts its own Preseason Tournament. We’re looking forward to another great day of wrestling, but we need our Blackman wrestling family to help make it happen!

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are still needed to work tournament shifts and contribute food for the hospitality room. Every bit of help makes a difference.

Sign up today at blackmanwrestling.com/volunteer

One tournament down, one more to go before the regular season. The work continues.

#AllEarned #BlazeWrestling

Tournament Placers