Nate Graham has etched his name in Sumner County history, becoming the first back-to-back state champion since 2021 at the TSSAA wrestling championships. His journey to the title was nothing short of inspiring, capped off with a first-minute pin and a celebratory backflip. For Graham, this victory was a moment of clarity, dispelling any doubts he had about his abilities and bringing his season to a fulfilling close.
Graham’s path to success was marked by resilience. Competing for Station Camp, he battled through scoliosis and overcame a temporary paralysis before his third-place finish as a sophomore.
This year, he pushed through a damaged left labrum to clinch his second title. With interest from colleges like Penn State Behrend and Cumberland University, Graham is looking to take his wrestling prowess to the next level.
Station Camp had more to celebrate, with Jay Hill finishing as runner-up in his first state tournament. Alongside these standout performances, Lincoln Rich secured third place, and Treyson Pettis took sixth in their respective weight classes.
Gallatin’s Andrew Sanders made history for his school by securing its first state medal, finishing fifth in his debut and final state tournament.
Here’s a closer look at the results from Sumner County at the Williamson County Ag-Expo Center:
Class A Highlights:
- 113 lbs: Nate Graham showcased his dominance with a series of impressive victories, including a decisive first-minute pin in the finals against Soddy Daisy’s Luke Myhan. His journey included a second-period pin and a strong semifinal performance.
- 120 lbs: Jay Hill had an impressive run to the finals, where he narrowly missed out on the title, finishing second against reigning runner-up Jacob Stinnett.
- 126 lbs: Brodie Jaeckel had a promising start but was bested by top-ranked Brylan Rhodes. He rebounded with a technical fall and a pin in the consolation rounds.
- 132 lbs: Freshman Isaiah Gravely made history for Liberty Creek with a win in the opening round, though his journey ended before the semifinals.
- 138 lbs: Ja’Keyse Rutherford and Aiden Oswald both faced tough competition. Oswald maintained his streak of never being pinned in high school, reaching the consolation second round.
- 144 lbs: Patrick York and his brother Thomas York both faced challenging matchups, with Patrick falling to the top seed and Thomas losing in a rematch against Tamarion Johnson.
- 165 lbs: Lincoln Rich bounced back from an initial upset to claim third place, showcasing his determination with five consecutive wins in the consolation rounds.
- 175 lbs: Treyson Pettis, a top seed, made a strong showing but finished sixth after an overtime loss in the semifinals.
Class AA Highlights:
- 126 lbs: Austin Medrano reached the consolation second round before being eliminated by a tough competitor.
- 138 lbs: Gary Boyd represented Hendersonville with determination, though his run ended in the second match.
- 150 lbs: Andrew Sanders made a historic run for Gallatin, securing their first state medal with a fifth-place finish.
Girls Division:
- 114 lbs: Emma Arnold recorded a swift 19-second pin in the consolation bracket, demonstrating her potential despite early setbacks.
- 235 lbs: Ameena Mundit faced tough opponents, bowing out in the consolation rounds after a strong effort.
These athletes have not only showcased their skills but have also set a benchmark for future competitors in Sumner County. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and passion for the sport.