November 2025 | Tullahoma, Tenn.
TULLAHOMA, Tenn. — The Blackman High School wrestling team opened its 2025 season in dominant fashion at the Tullahoma Preseason Tournament, posting a 51–7 overall record and crowning 14 individual champions in a performance that showcased the team’s toughness, depth, and hard-nosed identity.
From the opening whistle, the Blaze wrestlers showed the kind of grit and preparation that have become trademarks of the program. Months of offseason work — early mornings in the weight room, long conditioning sessions, and extra mat time — were on full display as Blackman controlled the pace and tempo throughout the tournament.
Head Coach John Heathcott said the results reflected the effort the team has put in behind the scenes.
“We saw what we wanted today. The effort, the grit, and the commitment were all there.” Heathcott said. “The guys took what we’ve been working on in the practice room and brought it to the mats. It was a complete team effort — exactly the kind of start we wanted. The coaching staff couldn’t be more proud of every single one of our guys.”
Blaze Champions and Standouts
Blackman crowned 14 champions, with several wrestlers finishing the day unbeaten:
Mason Davison, Ryker Gower, David Rose, Andrew Workman, Kael Denton, Connor Rose, Carter Hughes, Luke Fisher, Douglas Barksdale, Eli Gooden, Abraham Nadeau, Karson McCrary, Ethan Clark, and Aiden Pascoe each won their respective divisions.
Several Blaze wrestlers dominated their brackets with pins and technical falls. Davison, C Rose, Hughes, Fisher, Clark, and Pascoe all pinned their way through the tournament.
Among the standout performers was also Abraham Nadeau, who put together one of the team’s best days. Nadeau wrestled with focus and aggression, and had plenty of gas in the tank finishing the day undefeated.
Adonijah Hicks, Trevor Steffy, and Kyngston Russell earned hard-fought runner-up finishes, while Germaia Ewida and Peyton Pickens battled their way to third place in tough brackets.
Blackman’s freshmen class also made a strong impression in Tullahoma, combining for an outstanding performance and dropping only one match the entire day
A Team Built on Grit and Brotherhood
While the results were impressive, it was the Blaze’s attitude and chemistry that stood out most. Throughout the day, teammates could be heard cheering from the sidelines — celebrating wins, lifting each other after losses, and keeping energy high. That bond looks to become a defining part of the Blackman program’s identity.
“We talk a lot about toughness, making deposits, and doing the hard things right,” Heathcott said. “This group has really bought into that and they’re wrestling for each other.”
Next Up: Blackman Preseason Tournament
The Blaze will host their own Preseason Tournament next Saturday at Blackman High School, and the coaching staff is encouraging families, alumni, and fans to get involved. Volunteers are still needed for setup, concessions, table work, and cleanup.
Those interested in helping can reach out through the Blackman Wrestling website or contact one of the coaching staff directly. Sign Up Sheet can be found HERE.
GO BLAZE!!