Spring Hill is gearing up for the Class A state traditional wrestling championships at the Williamson County Ag Expo in Franklin, bringing a mix of seasoned experience and fresh talent to the mat.
Leading the charge is senior Kyle Nielsen, who is eyeing the 126-pound title. Nielsen, a familiar face in the finals, advanced to the Class AA finals last year and is now poised to make his mark in Class A. Alongside him, senior Nathan Highland is making his debut championship appearance, wrestling for the top spot at 165 pounds.
These two standout athletes are part of coach Kortney Darnell’s first four-year class, marking a significant milestone since she took over the program in the 2022-23 season. Darnell, reflecting on her journey, shared, “It takes a little extra to prove yourself, especially as a woman coaching boys. But it’s about these guys and the culture we’ve built over four years.”
Joining Nielsen and Highland are 120-pound junior Carter Hostetler and 138-pound senior Darian Vera, both guaranteed to medal as top-six finishers despite their semifinal losses. They’ll compete in Saturday’s consolation rounds, as will 285-pound senior Chad Baruth, who bounced back in consolations after an opening-round loss.
“We brought five to state, and we’re bringing five back,” Darnell emphasized. “It’s about the culture we’ve created. We’re set to have at least four medalists for the first time.”
Nielsen, who celebrated his 150th high school win with a decisive victory over Upperman’s Grady Phelps, will face Signal Mountain eighth-grader Ian McCallie in the finals. Reflecting on his journey, Nielsen said, “My goal is to focus less on winning and more on wrestling my best. Competing in Class AA prepared me well.”
Highland, a versatile athlete, secured his finals spot with a major decision over Livingston Academy’s Kaden Weitzel. He’s set to challenge defending champion Ayden Hood from Pigeon Forge. “This has been the goal since freshman year,” Highland remarked, crediting his coach and teammates for their support.
The day kicks off with consolation rounds at 9 a.m., followed by the championship matches at 5 p.m.
In addition to Spring Hill’s contenders, Summit will feature two finalists. Zachery Little, last year’s Class AA 150-pound champion, is set to compete for the 157 title, while Samantha O’Leary, a consistent top-three finisher, will vie for the 235-pound crown.
Independence also has a strong presence, with several wrestlers, including Leo Roberts, Sarah Gizzi, and Laura Gupton, fighting through the consolation rounds. Summit’s lineup includes Jin Saito, Blaise Masi, Mark Taddeo, and Addison Borden, all looking to make their mark.
As the championships unfold, these athletes are not just competing for titles but showcasing the dedication and spirit that define their programs.