The TSSAA Division II wrestling championships wrapped up Saturday at Montgomery Bell Academy, and once again, the mats delivered a showcase of grit, talent, and high school wrestling at its finest. Across 14 weight classes, we saw everything from dominant performances by seasoned seniors to breakout moments from underclassmen-and even a few eighth graders who proved they belong on the big stage.
Let’s break down the champions and key storylines from each weight class.
106 pounds
Colten Calvin, a sophomore from Father Ryan, stood tall in a field packed with youth and promise.
He edged out MBA’s Dominic Simpson-yes, an eighth grader-who made a serious statement with his runner-up finish. Baylor’s Triston Moulton grabbed third, while Lakeway Christian’s Jonathan Comes and Christian Brothers’ Cooper Combs rounded out the top five.
113 pounds
Father Ryan’s Tanner Tran, a senior, capped off his high school career with a title, holding off Baylor freshman Riley Alcantar in the final. Brentwood Academy’s Cash Waymire took third, followed by McCallie’s Knox Ritchie and Boyd Buchanan’s Nolan Hardeman.
120 pounds
Baylor senior Gabe Swann looked every bit the veteran in his title run, holding off Christian Brothers freshman Payne Walker. Brentwood Academy’s Ryley Correll took third, while McCallie’s Brody Connell and Lakeway Christian’s Luke Kibelbek rounded out the podium.
126 pounds
Lakeway Christian’s Samuel Comes, a senior, claimed gold in a deep bracket, beating McCallie’s Axel Ritchie in the final. Baylor’s Christopher Phillips took third, followed by Christian Brothers’ Joseph Drewry and Father Ryan’s Aidan Hare.
132 pounds
McCallie sophomore Jaxon Lane worked his way to the top of a competitive group, besting Father Ryan junior Braxton Eason in the final. Friendship Christian’s Cayden Fowler took third, with MBA’s Carlton King and MUS’s Trey McDonald finishing fourth and fifth.
138 pounds
Baylor’s Malachi Puckett, a junior, continued his strong season with a championship performance.
He held off McCallie’s Cooper Mariakis-another eighth grader making waves. Lakeway Christian’s Trenton Casto secured third, followed by Chattanooga Christian’s Joseph Kennedy and MBA’s Daniel Bautista.
144 pounds
George Emendorfer, a Baylor senior, added another title to the program’s storied history. He defeated McCallie’s William Hamilton in the final, with Knoxville Webb’s Jack Quigley, Father Ryan’s Jax Crolley, and Lakeway Christian’s Jonathan Graham filling out the top five.
150 pounds
McCallie’s Dylan Villers, just a sophomore, showed maturity beyond his years to win the title.
He beat Christian Brothers’ Kohlton Vargas in the final, while Father Ryan’s Nick Toth grabbed third. JPII’s Brooks Kopp and MBA’s Max DeLemos rounded out the podium.
157 pounds
Baylor senior Oliver Phillips capped off his career with a strong showing, taking down McCallie’s Cainan Williams in the final.
MBA’s Ruger Pennington, another eighth grader, impressed with a third-place finish. Lakeway Christian’s Kaden Dressel and Goodpasture’s Landon McConnell completed the top five.
165 pounds
Titus Norman of Baylor, a senior, muscled his way to the top of the 165-pound division.
He beat McCallie’s Jon Cross in the final, with MBA’s Leland Hardcastle finishing third. CAK’s Kyler Cook and Providence Academy’s Ford Bowman rounded out the leaderboard.
175 pounds
Christian Brothers senior Findley Smout took home the gold, defeating McCallie’s Zaydan Morgan in the final. Chattanooga Christian’s Donnis Boochie placed third, followed by GCA’s Noah Anliker and BGA’s Gavino Villareal.
190 pounds
Baylor’s Dylan Reel, a senior, brought home another title for the Red Raiders after a strong showing in the 190-pound class.
He beat Brentwood Academy’s Brody Belville in the final. JPII’s Jordan Crouch took third, while McCallie’s Cooper Ledbetter and Christian Brothers’ John Bramlett rounded out the top five.
215 pounds
McCallie senior Cooper Gentle lived up to his name in none of the ways you’d expect-dominating his way to a championship.
He held off Chattanooga Christian’s Tyre Brown in the final. Baylor’s Rock Shurette took third, followed by Father Ryan’s Kai Slater and Nashville Christian’s Tate Daugherty.
285 pounds
Chattanooga Christian’s Ryder Smith closed out the tournament with a heavyweight title, defeating Father Ryan’s De’Antowan Malone. McCallie’s Cannon Voiles earned third, while Brentwood Academy’s Luke Skelton finished fourth.
Final Takeaways
Baylor and McCallie once again proved why they’re perennial powerhouses in Tennessee wrestling, each producing multiple champions and finalists. But the field was deep, and schools like Father Ryan, Christian Brothers, and Lakeway Christian had their moments too.
And let’s not overlook the underclassmen-especially the eighth graders like Dominic Simpson and Cooper Mariakis-who didn’t just show up, they contended. That’s not just encouraging for their programs, it’s a sign that the future of Tennessee wrestling is in good hands.
This year’s Division II championships delivered on every level-raw talent, seasoned skill, and a glimpse at what’s to come.