Led by Coaches Harrison, Milnor, Gennette, and Gehres, the MUS wrestling squad continued their string of state-tournament appearances as they advanced following an undefeated dual regular season.
Not only did the Owls defeat such strong competition as White Station, Briarcrest, Munford, Bolton, Catholic, and Millington in the regular season, but they also competed very well in some prestigious tournaments.
MUS placed ninth out of a 21-team field in the Blackhorse Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in the south held at Houston High School. MUS also took several competitors to participate in the Cotton Bowl tournament held in Dallas, Texas, over Christmas break. These competitions prepared the Owls for their postseason run.
MUS had strong, consistent performers throughout the season, and many young guys stepped up as well. Freshman who wrestled on the varsity level included Mason George (160lbs), Cameron Ridgeway (103), and Danny Travis (130, 140). Sophomores included Sloan Abernathy (152), Hays Doan (171), Chris Levy (112), Nelson Rainey (130), and Tom Sampson (119), while juniors Andrew Hooser (275) and Matt Rutherford (135) also made a large impact. Geer Alexander (145), Matt Cohen (125), Allen Humphreys (275), and Blake Lindsay (215) provided excellent senior leadership throughout.
The Owls headed into regional duals looking to secure a berth at the state tournament and better last year's second-place region finish. Though they finished second once again at region to CBHS, their performance earned another state appearance.
At the state meet held in Clarksville, the Owls were competitive though they lost both matches.
MUS lost in the opening round to Father Ryan, 57-24. Alexander, Lindsay, and Humphreys all won their matches, including a pin by Lindsay.
The team loss moved MUS into the consolation bracket where they battled Brentwood Academy.
The Owls won several matches once again but could not do enough as they lost 56-23. Alexander, Hooser, Ridgeway, and Rutherford all won their matches for MUS, including pins by Alexander, Hooser, and Rutherford. Though the Owls lost both team matches, they were much more competitive at the state duals this year as they finished ninth.
Two weeks later, the Owls traveled to Chattanooga to participate in the state individual tournament. In first-round matches four Owls advanced. Matt Rutherford won a 10-4 decision in the 135-pound class. Geer Alexander (145) was victorious with an 18-5 major decision. Hays Doan (171) pinned his opponent in only 42 seconds while Andrew Hooser won with a pin in only 20 seconds. Hooser was the only one to win his second-round match with an 11-4 decision, but he eventually lost in the semifinals, 5-1.
For the tournament Blake Lindsay finished third as he advanced through the consolation bracket by winning two matches. Hooser finished fifth, and Rainey claimed a sixth-place finish through the consolation bracket.
The coaches were very pleased with these performances during the season as they look to the future. With the youth on the team and the experiences gained through the season's battles, the future for the wrestling program looks bright.