The Hewitt-Trussville High School wrestling team took first place Saturday at the Fayette County Christmas Classic tournament at Fayette County High School in Fayetteville, Ga. The Huskies entered the second day of competition with eight wrestlers in the semi-finals and four in the consolation bracket. Eight-grader Heath Williamson, senior Marcus Elkins and junior Arnoree Sanders all won their individual brackets
. The team finished the tournament with 225 points, beating out the second place team by 38 points.
It was a strong team effort for the Huskies. In addition to three first place finishes, three wrestlers brought home third place finishes, and four had fifth place finishes. Coach Mark Snider was impressed with his team’s performance.
“Perhaps the biggest surprise (although a very pleasant surprise) is how well this team has pulled together and how they pull for each other and push each other,” Snider said.
This tournament was an important test for the Huskies. The field included 32 teams, larger than the previous two events Hewitt-Trussville has participated in.The team rose to the challenge, and Snider was pleased with the progress his team has made.
“Our young wrestlers are really starting to show improvement,” Snider said. “We still have lots to work on and to improve on, but this team is improving daily.”
The tournament was also an important stepping stone as the Huskies are preparing for the state wrestling championships in February.
“Our goal is always the state championship,” Snider said. “We are not quite up to the level we need to be, but these kids are definitely moving in the right direction.”
The Huskies next event is the Soddy Daisy Showdown on Jan. 5 at Soddy Daisy High School in Tennessee. Matches will get started at 9 a.m. EST.