The Etowah wrestlers grappled their way to runner-up honors in the Region tournament, sending eight wrestlers to Sectionals. Sophomores Blake Smith and Jakub Daniels, along with juniors Mac MacMullen, Keyvon Thompson, Max Homyak, Skylar Shuman, Alex Pham, and Nate Haas all wrestled their best, and four advanced on to the State Championships.

On Feb. 9, Smith, Homyak, Shuman, and Pham headed down to Macon with coaches Charlie Higdon and Brandon Chester for the state finals.

“Alex placed 6th in state, and we are very proud,” Higdon said.

There were no seniors this year, and the juniors really stepped up. The team did not have as many wrestlers as previous years, but that did not stop them from supporting each other and coming together during the tournaments.

“Finishing runner-up in Region with eight wrestlers and having four qualify for State was a pretty neat accomplishment for us,” Higdon said.

Higdon has high hopes for next season, and believes his wrestlers will have a good chance at winning State if more people join the team.

“It’s the individuality and the opportunity,” Shuman said when asked why he wrestles.

This was a great season for the Etowah wrestling team; be sure to follow them next season and support them on their journey.