This wrestling season, Etowah’s wrestling team competed in the Wrestling Traditional Championships. While it was the last match this season, it was especially memorable for one Etowah senior.

“Blake had an excellent showing at the state tournament this year. He left it all on the mat and overcame some of his previous losses to make it to the state finals,” Jeremiah Lutz, wrestling coach, said.

As Lutz’s first season as a coach at Etowah, he has shown how far he can bring the team. His expected improvement was evident, as last year, the team only made it to regionals. Placing third in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association in 2016, Lutz has brought his experience of winning to Etowah.

Blake Smith, senior, won second in the state at the meet. Eagle supporters and their coach were proud of his hard work.

“It didn’t feel good at first because I lost, but later on, it felt great to know what I’ve accomplished through my wrestling career,” Smith said.

Smith started wrestling 12 years ago. After becoming more confident in his wrestling abilities, he has helped lead the team to great success.

“Wrestling is big in my family, and my dad had me start young, and I loved it,” Smith said.

Setting a precedence for next year’s accomplishments, Smith worked hard and showed it.

“We want to get more guys to the state tournament next year. As a team, we made big improvements from the beginning of the year and are going in the right direction to do that,” Lutz said.

Smith is undecided as to where he will be attending college, but he knows he does not want to continue his wrestling career any further, despite his success in the sport.

Etowah congratulates Smith on his win and the wrestling team for a great season.