Smyrna, TN – In an electrifying night at Stewarts Creek High School, the Blackman Blaze wrestling team showcased their prowess, delivering two thrilling victories and clinching the TSSAA Region 4 Dual Championship title.
The atmosphere was intense and the crowd was loud as the Blaze faced the Oakland Patriots in their first match. This was a contest that everyone knew would be tightly contested. Blackman’s strategy and resilience shone through as they secured a nail-biting 38-28 victory. Highlight performances included Andrew Workman’s technical fall at 120 lbs, and pins by Abraham Nadeau, Blaise Meeks, and Germaia Ewida. Despite facing strong opposition, wrestlers like Isaiah Thephavong and Landon Franklin also contributed significantly with their decisive wins.
Semi-Final Match: Blackman 38 – Oakland 28
Key wins from several wrestlers:
- 120: Andrew Workman (BHS) dominated Lando Smith (OHS) with a technical fall (TF 16-0) in 4:05.
- 150: Eli Goodin (BHS) won in overtime against Colin Anderson (OHS) 8-1.
- 157: Abraham Nadeau (BHS) pinned Joseph Weese (OHS) in just 1:58.
- 190: Blaise Meeks (BHS) secured a quick pin over Xavier Neilly (OHS) in just 0:39.
- 215: Landon Franklin (BHS) dominated and scored a tech fall over Traivon Jackson (OHS) 20-5.
- 106: Germaia Ewida (BHS) pinned Morgan Meadors (OHS) in 0:53.
Simultaneously, on the other mat, an upset unfolded as Stewarts Creek defeated the favored Warren County Pioneers, setting the stage for the championship face-off against Blackman.
In the championship match, Blackman left no room for doubt, dominating Stewarts Creek with a resounding 44-6 score. The Blaze wrestlers were in top form, with Isaac Ortiz, Isaiah Thephavong, Trevor Steffy, Blaise Meeks, and Landon McLean all securing pins or technical falls. Even though Stewarts Creek managed a couple of decisions, Blackman’s depth and skill were overwhelming.
Championship Match: Blackman 44 – Stewarts Creek 6
Key performances included:
- 126: Isaac Ortiz (BHS) pinned Nathaniel Tran (SCHS) in 3:27.
- 138: Isaiah Thephavong (BHS) pinned Statom Relford (SCHS) in 3:30.
- 165: Trevor Steffy (BHS) pinned Tristen Brady (SCHS) in 3:15.
- 175: Afraim Ewida (BHS) managed to win a tough decision over Hunter Eldridge (SCHS) 8-6.
- 190: Blaise Meeks (BHS) pinned Ahmed Raheem (SCHS) in 1:30.
HISTORY LESSON: Blackman is no stranger to the Region Championship plaque. Blackman has won the Region Dual title 10 times in the last 11 years losing once to Oakland in 2021.
Coach’s Corner: Reflections on Victory
It’s safe to say that Blackman’s coaches were elated with the win.
Coach Sean Kennedy expressed a lot of pride stating, “These kids continue to take big steps forward. It has been amazing watching them grow not only as wrestlers but as young men. Big things coming!”
Coach Dane added, “An amazing night. The standards are high at Blackman and the kids lived up to it tonight. I love these kids and I love these coaches.”
Blackman Head Coach John Heathcott concluded, “Our boys have heard all year that we weren’t supposed to win or that we were not going to win Regions this year. Our guys decided something else. Region Champs! I am one proud coach! Go Blaze! Back to Work!”
With this victory, Blackman has now set their sights on the next challenge. They will host Bradley Central this Saturday at Blackman for a chance to advance to the TSSAA State Duals. The community is invited to come out and support the Blaze as they chase a chance to advance to state!
The Blackman Blaze are not just wrestling; they’re blazing a trail to the top, one match at a time.
Go Blaze!