Fifteen talented student-athletes from three Cheatham County schools showcased their skills at the TSSAA state wrestling championships held at the Williamson County Ag Expo. These young competitors gave it their all over the two-day event, with several standout performances that deserve recognition.
Leading the charge was Cheatham County Central's senior, Roger Gonzalez, who delivered an impressive run in the 285-pound division. Gonzalez dominated his first three matches, setting the stage for a thrilling final against Samuel Everett's Tyson Click. The match was a nail-biter, with Click managing to pin Gonzalez at the 4:59 mark of the third period, securing the match’s only point with an escape in the second.
In the 144-pound category, sophomore Walker Hobbs made waves with a strong showing. After a solid win in his opening match, Hobbs faced a tough opponent in Pigeon Forge’s Lukas Pratt, who eventually took third place. Not one to be easily discouraged, Hobbs bounced back with a victory over Greenback’s Nikolas Inman, before being edged out by Watertown’s Gunnar Tompkins in the consolation rounds.
CCCHS junior Aiden Moore also demonstrated resilience in the 132-pound division. Despite an initial setback, Moore rallied with a win in the consolation bracket and advanced via forfeit, before ultimately falling to Creek Wood’s Gage Goetz, who finished fifth.
Sophomore Nicolas Hargrove, competing at 157 pounds, was another Cub to notch a victory, winning his first match before facing defeats in subsequent rounds. Other participants included Liam Wilson (215), Jesse Carney (150), Magnus Johnson (126), and Joseph McCutcheon (120). Unfortunately, 113-pounder Francisco Gutierrez had to forfeit both of his matches.
For the Harpeth Indians, junior Tanner Aldridge delivered a memorable performance at 150 pounds, finishing fifth. Despite an initial loss to Volunteer High’s Austin Glass, Aldridge found his rhythm, winning three consecutive matches. He faced Glass again in the consolation semifinals, and though he fell short, Aldridge bounced back with an 18-6 victory over Greeneville’s Hunter Shelton to secure his fifth-place finish.
In the 120-pound bracket, junior Killian Gholson started strong with a win but couldn’t maintain the momentum, dropping his next two matches. Junior William Holley also represented the Indians, facing tough competition at 120 pounds.
Sycamore’s team saw senior Brandan Monroe and junior Davyd Parker leading the War Eagles. Monroe, competing at 113 pounds, lost his opener but rallied with two wins in the consolation rounds before narrowly missing the semifinals.
Parker, on the other hand, claimed victory in his first match but was edged out by Station Camp’s Jay Hill in a close contest. Parker managed a consolation win before his journey ended in the third round.
Junior Colton Long wrapped up Sycamore’s efforts with two hard-fought matches at 175 pounds.
These young athletes demonstrated grit and determination, making their schools and communities proud with their performances on the mat.