Workman Wins Johnny Drennan with a Strong Showing

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Blackman Blaze at the 2025 Johnny Drennan 85 Memorial

NASHVILLE, TN – The Blackman High School wrestling team wrapped up the Johnny Drennen Tournament at Father Ryan High School with notable performances across various weight classes, culminating in a championship win and several commendable placements.

Championship Highlight:

  • Andrew Workman at 120 pounds was the star of the day, clinching the 1st place with a series of dominant wins. His final match was a nail-biter, securing victory with a close 5-4 decision over Axel Ritchie from McCallie. The win avenges a loss to Ritchie from this tournament last season. Workman’s journey through the tournament was marked by his strategic wrestling, earning him 31.0 team points.
Drew Workman Wrestles Eastside, SC

Third Place Victory:

  • Blaise Meeks at 190 pounds fought his way to a 3rd place finish, accumulating 25.5 points for Blackman. His path included a dramatic sudden victory loss but was highlighted by his resilience in the consolation rounds, defeating Father Ryan’s Sawyer Rutherford and ending with a sweet revenge victory over Brody Belville in the third-place match.
Blaise Meeks – 3rd at Johnny Drennan

Other Notable Performances:

  • Germaia Ewida at 106 pounds, although his final placement remains unknown, made significant contributions with 10.5 points. His skill was evident in his technical falls, showcasing his ability to control matches.
  • Isaac Ortiz at 126 pounds and Isaiah Thephavong at 138 pounds both managed to score points in challenging brackets. Ortiz secured 6.0 points, while Thephavong added 8.0 points with a mix of wins and losses that showed their competitive spirit.
  • Landon McLean at 144 pounds, despite not placing, was a consistent point scorer with three wins in a row on the back side scoring 6.5 points, demonstrating tenacity through his matches with multiple decision wins and a technical fall.
  • Afraim Ewida at 165 pounds added 9.0 points to the team tally, with a strong performance including a quick fall in the consolation rounds.
  • Douglas Barksdale at 132 pounds and Eli Goodin at 150 pounds both contributed to the team’s score, with Barksdale earning 2.0 points and Goodin 5.0 points.
  • Brayden Edmonson at 285 pounds rounded out the team’s efforts with 4.0 points, displaying potential with a fall in the consolation rounds.
Blackman Medalists at the Johnny Drennan

Team Reflection: The Blackman team’s performance at the Johnny Drennen Tournament was a testament to their hard work and coaching. Each wrestler’s contribution helped in building a strong team score, reflecting the depth of talent and spirit in the squad. Coach Heathcott remarked, “Real simple take away this week from our team (at both places). The process is working. The daily deposits are adding up and the results are starting to show it. Multiple kids jumping levels over the last few weeks. Wrestling IQ is growing. I’m excited to get back in the room and continue the process. Back to work.”

As we conclude this tournament, the Blackman High School wrestling team can look back at these results with pride, knowing they left everything on the mat. Congratulations to all competitors, and a special shout-out to our champions and medalists. Here’s to more victories in the future! Go Blaze!