McMinnville, TN – Blackman High School’s wrestling team delivered a championship performance at the TSSAA Region 4-AA Traditional Tournament, capturing the team title with 191.5 points. Competing at Warren County High School, the Blaze dominated the competition, crowning five individual champions and qualifying seven wrestlers for next weekend’s TSSAA Sectional Tournament in Athens, TN.
Seven Wrestlers Punch Tickets to Sectionals
The top four wrestlers in each weight class advanced to sectionals, and Blackman will be sending seven competitors to Athens with a chance to qualify for the state tournament.
Blackman crowned five individual champions, demonstrating their depth and dominance on the mat.
Region 4-AA Champions
- Andrew Workman (120 lbs.) – 1st place, three pins in under two minutes each. This was best in the tournament.
- Isaiah Thephavong (138 lbs.) – 1st place, two pins and a technical fall
- Landon McLean (144 lbs.) – 1st place, won a thrilling 12-9 decision in the finals
- Afraim Ewida (165 lbs.) – 1st place, three pins en route to the title
- Blaise Meeks (190 lbs.) – 1st place, two pins and a tech fall in a dominant showing
These first-place finishes were crucial in leading Blackman to victory, but the entire team contributed with multiple top finishes.
Regional Runners-Up
- Germaia Ewida (106 lbs.) – 2nd place, a strong runner-up finish with two pins
- Landon Franklin (215 lbs.) – 2nd place, advanced to the finals before falling in a tough match
These seven wrestlers will compete at the TSSAA Sectional Tournament next weekend, where the top four finishers in each weight class will punch their ticket to the state tournament.
Several other wrestlers scored key points with deep runs in the tournament, including Eli Goodin (150 lbs.), Trevor Steffy (157 lbs.), and Ethan Clark (175 lbs.).
A Scary Moment: Prayers for Isaac Ortiz
While Blackman celebrated a huge victory, the team and community’s thoughts are with Isaac Ortiz (126 lbs.), who suffered an injury that resulted in him being airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His tournament ended early due to a medical forfeit, but the Blackman wrestling family is rallying around him.
“Our hearts are with Isaac and his family right now,” said Coach Heathcott. “He’s a tough kid, and we’re all praying for a full and speedy recovery.”
Remembering Daniel Winters
This victory holds special meaning as it falls on the 10-year anniversary of the passing of Daniel Winters, a 16-year-old Blackman wrestler who tragically lost his life in a car accident just hours after the region tournament in 2015. Daniel had just qualified for state for the first time. His memory lives on in the Blackman wrestling program, and his legacy of hard work, love of his teammates, and love for the sport continues to inspire to this day. #weremember
Team Standings & Awards
Blackman finished the day on top of the team standings, outpacing rival Stewarts Creek by 12.5 points.
| Team Standings | Points |
|---|---|
| 1. Blackman High School | 191.5 |
| 2. Stewarts Creek High School | 179.0 |
| 3. Warren Co. High School | 177.5 |
| 4. Oakland High School | 153.0 |
Despite strong performances from Blackman wrestlers, the tournament’s individual awards went to competitors from other schools:
- Outstanding Wrestlers: Jakoby Odineal (Warren County) and Zerek Keel (Warren County)
- Best Match: Xavier Simmons (Warren County) vs. Taurus Allen (Oakland) in the 285-pound finals
- Coach of the Year: Josh Harris (Warren County)
- Assistant Coach of the Year: Scott Helton (Stewarts Creek)
- Freshman of the Year: Huck Damon (Warren County)
- Wrestler of the Year: Chase Creque (Siegel)
Coaches Corner
“Today was a day full of highs and lows—five region champions, two runners-up, and a team championship to show for all the hard work these kids have put in. Seven of our wrestlers are moving on to sectionals, one step closer to state, and the future of this program was on full display with our freshmen and first-time starters battling tough in the blood round.
But beyond the wins, what stood out the most was the heart of this team. We faced injuries early in the day, one so serious that it brought the entire gym to silence and prayer. Yet, through it all, our wrestlers came together and finished the tournament for their brothers. That kind of strength, resilience, and brotherhood is what makes this team special. I couldn’t be prouder.” – Coach Heathcott
On to Sectionals!
With their Region Championship secured, Blackman now shifts its focus to next weekend’s TSSAA Sectional Tournament in Athens, TN. The goal? Qualify for state and continue the Blaze’s dominance on the mat.
Congratulations to our wrestlers, and most importantly, our thoughts remain with Isaac Ortiz for a speedy recovery. #BlazeStrong #PrayForIsaac