Martin County Middle School wins state duals
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
LOUISVILLE — There were 12 top middle school teams in Kentucky to start Sunday morning in the Middle School State Duals at Bellarmine University Knights Hall in Louisville. But out of 120 counties and numerous chartered wrestling teams in the state, one had to be No. 1—a position Martin County Middle School claimed Sunday afternoon.
The Cardinals won the State Duals championship for the first time in the school’s history—and the first time for a county school since 1995 when the Sheldon Clark Cardinals took home the high school title.
Martin County kicked off their journey with a commanding performance against Oldham County, last year’s runner-up, securing a decisive 54-28 win. This initial victory set the tone for the Cardinals as they progressed through the tournament.
Their momentum continued against Southern Middle from Somerset. The Cardinals were still hungry and made a meal of it, triumphing with an 84-12 score.
The next step was the semifinals, where the Cardinals faced the Colts from Louisville. The Cardinals were focused and not going to let the Colts stop what was in their sights. Martin County again came out on top with a convincing 64-28 victory.
The win propelled the Cards into the championship round against the reigning champion Paducah Tillman Tornadoes.
The Cardinals had traveled to Louisville to win, so second place was not an option. With only 18 wrestlers on the roster, five of whom were in elementary school, the Cardinals faced a tough challenge. In an intensely close match, they emerged victorious 45-42 for the championship title.
Martin County head coach Andrew Chaffin’s team exhibited sportsmanship and humility following their victory. They graciously wished their opponents success for the remainder of the season.
Reflecting on the achievement, the coach expressed pride in his team.
“Out of 3,900 wrestlers chartered in the state of Kentucky, our middle school Cardinals are ranked No. 1,” Chaffin said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his coaching staff and expressed gratitude for their support, especially Jason Jewell, his long-standing collaborator.
“I have had Jason Jewell at my right-hand side for years now, shared a lot of seasons and ups and downs,” commented Chaffins. “Without all the other coaches in the room, it would not be at all possible to have won this. I’m thankful for the men placed around this team.”
As the Cardinals reveled in the victory, Coach Chaffin reminded them that their journey was not yet complete.
“We still have to finish what we started,” he said, indicating their continued pursuit of excellence. “The season is not over.”
Chaffin’s coaching assistants include Jewell, Tommy Vanhoose, BJ Slone, Ryan Kelly, Jeremy Mollett, Asher Maynard and Cody Anderson.