MUS Sports News

Wrestlers Head Toward Postseason

The varsity wrestling team participated in its final major tournament last weekend before the Regional Duals as the Owls and seven other rivals wrestled in the CBHS duals.

The tournament, one of the more prestigious in the area, began with two four-team pools. After round-robin action, MUS finished third in their pool, qualifying for a fifth-sixth place match with St. Benedict. 

MUS came out on top against the Eagles, 57-18, with wins from Barret Folk (103), Andrew Maroda (119), Cameron Ridgway (140), Frank Jemison (145), Sam Goldstein (152), Grayson Sharpe (160), Zach Gordon (171), Mason George (189), Ben Stallworth (215), and Andrew Gordon (275). Host school CBHS took first place, beating Father Ryan, 36-25.

The Owls have had a solid season and now look to the Regional Duals, which begin on January 28th.  For the past five years, the Owls have placed second in their region. The goal for the Owls this season as always is to be one of the top two teams in their Region to qualify for state. While CBHS looks like the top team now, St. Benedict and Harding will also be teams for the Owls to look out for in the upcoming Duals.

Wrestlers Finish Eighth in Brentwood

Last weekend, the MUS wrestling squad traveled to Middle Tennessee for the second time this season in order to compete in the Ravenwood Tournament in Brentwood as they continue to prepare for their postseason run. As a team, the Owls placed eighth out of twenty teams as they went up against some very solid competition.   

Individually, the Owls put forth impressive performances, the best of which were seen by seniors Mason George (189 lbs) and Andrew Gordon (heavyweight), who placed first and second in their weight classes, respectively.

Three days later, the Owls went to Harding to face off against the Lions and St. George’s.  Harding’s team stayed closed with MUS, but the Owls pulled out the victory, 48–30. 

After this triumph against a region opponent, the Owls cruised past St. George’s, 75–6. These impressive victories should give the Owls some momentum going into their next tournament, the CBHS Duals on January 14. Eight teams will be competing in this competion, which will be the Owls’ last major tournament before the Regional Duals.

The Owl’s coaching staff is satisfied so far with the impressive effort put forth by their team.  Coach Shaun Gehres says that the roster is pretty close to being set right now, but there will most likely be several challenges for positions before state competition begins. 

“Right now, we’re on track to peak at the right time as a team,” said Gehres, showing his confidence for the upcoming matches.

Wrestlers Begin Season

After having made history last season as they won their first match in State competition, the MUS varsity wrestling team is back on the mats now and ready to improve on last-year's fine showing.

In their first big meet of the 2005 season, Owl wrestlers took part in the Blackhorse Invitational at Houston High School last weekend, December 2 and 3, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the area. And the Owls took advantage with a strong showing.

Junior Zach Gordon (171 lb.) placed fifth in his weight class, and senior Cameron Ridgway (140 lb.) and freshman Barret Folk (103 lb.) each placed seventh in their brackets.

Coach Shaun Gehres took much out of the first tournament.

“It was a good opportunity to see where we were at, and there were overall signs of success,” said Gehres.

The new season also brings new captains to the mat, and for the Owls, they include seniors Mason George and Andrew Gordon and junior Gordon. Coaches have observed the excellent leadership in the practice room this season, but they still have youth on their roster, making for a good balance.

Overall, this year looks as if it could be very strong for the Owls if they can stay healthy. MUS has several tough teams on their schedule, including Germantown and CBHS, but the experience gained with last year's run at state should benefit them. The Owls did lose four seniors from last year, but they filled the spots well.

Coach Gehres knows what direction the team needs to be headed.

“The ultimate goal is to improve individually, because that will determine how much we improve as a team.”

Owls Travel to State and Wrestle in Historic Match

Last weekend, February 4-5, the varsity wrestling squad traveled to Clarksville, Tennessee, to participate in the State Duals, the final team competition of the season.  After the Owls had achieved an impressive regular-season record of 12-4 and finished second in the regional duals, MUS looked ready for the state competition.

On Friday, the first day, the Owls drew a tough first match against Montgomery Bell Academy.  MUS fell to MBA, 54-25, but the Owls produced some nice wins from the upper end of the weight classes.  Josh Hall (145), Zach Gordon (160), Grayson Sharpe (171), Mason George (189), and Andrew Gordon (275) all won big matches for the school.

The next day, the Owls came back out on the mats rejuvenated and prepared to face another middle-Tennessee powerhouse, Brentwood Academy.  The Owls put on quite a performance as they blew out the Eagles, 63-18.  MUS winners in the match included senior Sloan Abernathy, juniors Johnny Duke, Mason George, Andrew Gordon, Frank Jemison, and Cameron Ridgway, sophomores Ken Haltom and Ben Stallworth, freshman Andrew Amos, and 8th graders Barrett Folk and Andrew Maroda.  The Owls allowed only 3 individual losses, one of which was a forfeit, in their first win ever in the history of State Duals.

The Owls then advanced to take on Notre Dame but fell 63-12.  However, the Owls stayed upbeat knowing that they had won their first match at State Duals and had finished in the top six of the best competition in the state.

The MUS wrestlers will next look to Chattanooga where they will compete in the State Individual Championships on February 18-19.

MUS Wrestlers Cruising into Regional Duals

The varsity wrestling Owls can now look back on what has been a successful regular season in many ways. The MUS squad is nearing the postseason with an overall record of 10 wins and 4 losses. Owl wrestlers have made great showings at numerous meets and tournaments all season. One of the most notable finishes was at the Cordova duals where the Owls defeated White Station and St. Benedict on their way to taking 3rd place.

Led by Coach Shaun Gehres, the Owls are competing hard and will look to better last season's eighth-place State finish. Gehres is pleased with this year's squad.

"The team has done a great job this year, and we are still working to get better," says Coach Gehres. "A coach's expectation for a team is always to continue to get better, and I think we have achieved that thus far."

The coaching staff is still focusing on improvement in various areas. Also, they are optimistic about their postseason chances.

"We have the potential to do very well in the Regional Duals if everything falls into place," commented Gehres. "But seeds and tradition mean nothing at this point; we must come out and perform."

While the Owls have had wonderful individual performances throughout the year, good old teamwork has kept them so consistent.

"The biggest factor in the success of the team this year has been just that, the team," says Coach Gehres, admiring the willingness of the wrestlers to do what is asked of them to help the team.

MUS wrestlers will face a tough task at Regionals, but if the team's consistency holds, the Owls can do well at the State Duals, held February 4-5 in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Owl Wrestlers Preparing for the Bulk of the Season

After many practices, scrimmages, and preseason competitions, wrestling season officially kicked off at the start of December with the Blackhorse Tournament at Houston High School.  In that first weekend of December, the MUS wrestlers placed seventh as a team out of nineteen teams from Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.  Individually, many Owls wrestled very well and impressively placed in the large field.  Sophomore Zack Gordon took 1st place in the 160-pound weight class, starting the season out very strong.  Other impressive finishes at the Blackhorse included 2nd  place finishers Josh Hall (145), Nelson Rainey (152), and Joey Friend (212); also, Andrew Gordon placed 5th place in the heavyweight class.

Following the Blackhorse Tournament were two team meets in which the Owls competed well.  In the first meet, the Owls defeated both Arlington and Briarcrest but fell to a strong Germantown team by only two points.  Then, the Owls continued their season with a tough match against Collierville, losing 23 to 49.  MUS wrestlers went into the holiday break with a positive mindset, focusing on the new year.

Coach Shaun Gehres was pleased with what he had observed in the first few meets.

“We have the talent to become a better team overall.  We’ll use the winter break to get back on the right track.”

Looking ahead, Gehres said, “Our consistency as a team will determine how far we get in the postseason.”

The next match will be on January 6 when the Owls travel to Munford.

Wrestlers Finish Outstanding Season

The 2003-04 varsity wrestling team wrapped up another outstanding season with a 13-5 regular-season record, a second-place finish at the Regional Dual Tournament, and a fourth straight berth to the State Dual Tournament in Clarksville. The team was led this year by two captains, Andrew Hooser and Matt Rutherford, who also happened to be the only seniors on this year’s team.

The team saw some ups and downs at the beginning of the season with early losses to Cordova, Briarcrest, and CBHS. Amidst the losses, the Owls did have an impressive win against powerhouse Houston, 39-34, as sophomore Grayson Sharpe pinned his opponent to secure the victory for the Owls.

Following the Christmas break, the team returned to win five straight dual meets heading into the Regional Dual Tournament. At the Regional, the team pulled out a close match against Briarcrest, getting key wins from junior Joey Friend, freshman Ken Haltom, and sophomore Cameron Ridgway. The team then advanced to the Regional Dual Championship match against CBHS but fell short to finish in second place. But with the runner-up finish, the team secured a berth in the State Dual Tournament. In Clarksville, the Owls battled two of the best teams in the state, The McCallie School and Montgomery Bell Academy. Although MUS lost both of these matches, the Owls took advantage of the great opportunity to compete against good wrestlers.

The team finished the season with a trip to the State Individual Tournament, which took place at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. MUS had a stellar showing from all the wrestlers, earning an eighth-place finish in the state tournament. The most notable performances were that of Mason George, a sophomore who finished in fifth place at the 189 lbs. weight class, and Hooser, who became the first MUS wrestler to win a state-championship title as he won the 275 lbs. weight class. In the final match, Hooser took the lead on points with mere seconds remaining in the match to win and claim the dramatic 6-5 victory.

Several underclassmen made an impact as well this season. Ben Stallworth won first place, and Will Aldridge placed second at the Freshman Championships. Aldridge also placed second at the JV Championships, only having lost to champion Andrew Gordon, a sophomore, in the final match. Sophomore Christopher Thomas also had a strong showing at this year’s JV Championships with a second-place finish.

Additionally, the Owls had several freshmen and sophomore starters on the varsity squad throughout the season that contributed to the team’s success, including freshmen John Carr, Harrison Hunt, Haltom, and Stallworth, and sophomores Doug Boyer, Johnny Duke, Frank Jemison, Christopher Williamson, George, Gordon, Ridgway, and Sharpe.

The following boys received awards at the season-ending banquet:
   Team Award- Mason George
   Most Improved Wrestler- Joey Friend, who had second-place finishes at both the Black Horse
       Invitational and the Best of the West Tournament.
   Spirit and Most Outstanding- Andrew Hooser

The Owls will be led next year by an outstanding group of rising seniors: Sloan Abernathy, Joey Friend, Josh Hall, Chris Levy, and Nelson Rainey. The coaching staff -- Coach Harrison, Coach Milnor, and Coach Gehres -- is excited for next season and the future success of the MUS wrestling team.

Owl Wrestlers Finish Regular Season Undefeated, Make State Appearance

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.

Owl Wrestlers Headed to Clarksville

For those who like drama, intrigue, and pressure, the Ross M. Lynn Arena was the place to be last Saturday as MUS hosted the 2002 Region Dual Wrestling Tournament. For the top-two finishers in the tournament, a trip to the state duals in Clarksville, Tennessee, awaited. For all else, an early spring break lay in store.

The Owl squad, led by Coaches Harrison and Simpson, was determined to be one of those two teams. They knew that if they could take care of Saint Benedict early, the match with Briarcrest would be for a state berth.

After defeating the Eagles without problem, MUS got off to a bad start in their first three individual matches against the Saints. Three straight match losses, including two pins, had the Owls down 16-0, and Briarcrest was excited. Yet MUS put together a seven-match winning streak to take a seemingly insurmountable 38-16 lead. Noah Randall ended the Saints' streak as he pinned his opponent, and then forfeit wins by Joey Friend and Tom Sampson, point wins by Allen Humphreys and Wes Phillips, and pins by Matt Cohen and Nelson Rainey gave MUS the 22-point lead with four matches remaining.

However, the unthinkable occurred. The Owls lost their last four matches--three by pins--as Briarcrest tied the team score at 38 as the match ended. After going to the fourth tiebreaker-- technical falls--the Owls pulled off the victory and got the state berth.

Even after the emotional win over the Saints, MUS still had the opportunity to win the region outright as they took on CBHS. After losing to the Wave 70-7 earlier in the regular season, the Owls were hoping the Brothers were overlooking them. Though MUS was more competitive, CBHS won the region title with a 66-12 victory. A Preston Blankenship pin victory followed by a forfeit in the unlimited division accounted for the Owls' points.

MUS now advances to the state duals and will face Baylor this Saturday in Clarksville. After that match they take on Father Ryan for the opportunity to advance. Regardless of the outcome, a second-straight state berth gives this program some momentum for the future.

Wrestlers Gear Up for Postseason

After posting a 6-3 regular-season record, the MUS wrestling team looks forward to the region dual matches where the top two teams advance to the state duals in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Led by coaches Tommy Harrison and Jonathan Simpson, this young team has battled some good competition and gained much experience as it heads into the region duals, which take place January 26 at MUS.

The Owls only have one senior starter, Wes Phillips, who actually did not begin the season at his 125-pound class until mid-January because of a kneecap injury. Sophomore Andrew Hoff filled in for him and participated in several matches before Phillips' return.

The remainder of the team is underclassman, including seven freshman starters. Juniors include Matt Cohen at 112 pounds, Preston Blankenship at 171, Noah Randall at 189, and Blake Lindsay, who finished a solid fifth in the prestigious Black Horse Invitational, at 215 pounds.

Sophomore starters include 130-pound Matt Rutherford and Andrew Hooser, who competes in the unlimited-weight division. Hooser had a sixth place at the Black Horse and followed that performance up with an outstanding third place in the Coca-Cola Tournament at CBHS, one of the toughest and most competitive invitationals in the South.

But the freshman class is really remarkable with their skill level and savvy at such an early age. Tom Sampson comes in at 103 pounds, while Nelson Rainey (119), Josh Hall (135), Preston Dennis (140), Sloan Abernathy (145), Hays Doan (152), and Warren Grimm (160) make up the other starters. The coaches love the participation and growth of these young guys as they have fit in well with the older members of the team.

The six victories include a win over Germantown, a team that the Owls have not defeated in many years. The losses have come against CBHS, Houston, and Kirby -- teams which will contend in their respective state duals.

Yet Coach Harrison remains so optimistic that this team not only will reach their goals but also exceed them.

"Our goal is to go to the dual state championship," says Harrison. "We have had a fun season-- lots of youth--a very close-knit team with a great deal of locker-room leadership."

To reach that goal of going to state, the Owls need to finish in the top two positions in region. With CBHS fielding a very strong team, MUS and Briarcrest look like the two teams to be competing for that second spot. If MUS gets one of the two spots, the state duals come one week later in Clarksville.

Regardless of the outcome, the coaches have been pleased with this season. Some youth and depth have emerged, and those two aspects are necessary to produce enthusiasm and get the program where it needs to be--competing for state titles.