Athens – TN – This past weekend, the Blackman High School wrestling team, known as the Blaze, traveled to Athens, TN to compete in the highly competitive TSSAA Section 2 Class AA tournament at McMinn County High School. This event served as the final qualifier for the state tournament, drawing teams from the powerhouse-laden Region 3 and the expansive Region 4, known for being the toughest section in the state.
Blackman sent seven wrestlers to the mat, and five of them secured their spots at the state tournament, showcasing the depth and talent within the program. Here’s how our Blaze athletes performed:
- 106 lbs – Germaia Ewida (34-12)
2nd Place
Germaia advanced to the finals with dominant wins, including a decisive 5-0 semifinal victory over Martin Rezkalle (Stewarts Creek). In the championship, he faced Bradley Central’s Q Dyer, who is one of the top wrestlers in the state. Despite a tough match, Germaia secured his silver medal and a spot at state. - 120 lbs – Andrew Workman (41-3)
2nd Place
Andrew continued his stellar season, adding to his impressive record with a first-round fall and a commanding 10-1 major decision in the semifinals. He battled hard in the finals but fell just short against Chase Walker of Cleveland. Andrew’s incredible performance makes him a top contender heading into the state tournament. - 138 lbs – Isaiah Thephavong (25-11)
3rd Place
Isaiah bounced back after a narrow semifinal loss to claim third place in dominant fashion. He capped off his tournament with an impressive pin over Houston Davenport of Bradley Central in just 1:35, solidifying his ticket to state. - 144 lbs – Landon McLean (29-12)
2nd Place
Landon’s road to the finals was nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by a decisive 12-4 major decision over Bradley Central’s Brandon Harris in the semifinals. Though he fell to Cleveland’s Blake Congdon in the finals, Landon’s performance showed he’s ready to make noise at state. - 190 lbs – Blaise Meeks (31-5)
2nd Place
Blaise had one of the most exciting runs of the tournament, securing a lightning-fast 30-second pin in the quarterfinals and dominating in the semis with a 9-1 major decision. He narrowly lost a controversial and hard-fought 5-4 finals match to Cleveland’s Rock Shurette, cementing his status as a top 190 pounder in the state.
Honorable Mentions
- 165 lbs – Afraim Ewida (26-13)
Afraim picked up a solid quarterfinal win before falling short in the consolation bracket. Though he did not place, his effort throughout the season has been incredible and he has grown so much as a wrestler and a young man. - 215 lbs – Landon Franklin (6-5)
Landon battled hard but fell in a sudden victory match in the quarterfinals. His season has been one of perseverance, and he gained valuable experience competing at this elite level.
Team Qualifications:
- Cleveland High School qualified an impressive 12 wrestlers for the state tournament, demonstrating why they are a perennial powerhouse with over 25 state championships to their name.
- Bradley Central High School sent 7 wrestlers, reflecting their consistent strength in the region.
Other teams with notable performances included:
- Warren Co. High School with 5 qualifiers
- Stewarts Creek High School with 5 qualifiers
- Oakland High SchooL with 4 qualifiers
Coach’s Corner
Coach Heathcott reflected on the tournament, stating, “Won some big matches, lost some big matches. We have to be better controlling our own outcomes. 5 of our guys have 5 days to reset, refocus, and get better. Everything they want is still in front of them.”
FINAL TEAM SCORES:
Congratulations to all the qualifiers, and we look forward to cheering on our five wrestlers at the upcoming state tournament. Go Blaze!