BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PIKEVILLE — Martin County Youth Wrestling continued its tradition of strong showings on the regional stage, closing out 2025 with a strong performance at the Hatfield-McCoy Youth Wrestling Tournament. The team finished third overall and produced multiple champions, podium finishes and special awards Dec. 28 at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.

Head coach Andrew Chaffin’s Martin County outfit collected four first-place finishes, several runners-up and a deep list of placers across age divisions, showing their depth.

In the 4U–10U division, Jeremiah Vanhoose captured first place at 77 pounds, while Greyson Maynard won the 84-pound class. Lukas Mays placed third at 56 pounds, David West finished second at 93 pounds and Gabe Mathieu earned third in the heavyweight division. James Blackburn added a fourth-place finish at 35 pounds.

The 12U division also produced standout results. Colten Anderson won the 92-pound title, Bryce Williamson placed second at 86 pounds and Kenleigh Estep finished second at 92 pounds. Jeremiah Vanhoose earned third at 74 pounds, Nolan Muncy placed third at 135 pounds and Lukas Mays added a fourth-place finish at 65 pounds.

At the middle school level, Bryce Williamson won the 83-pound class, while Colten Anderson finished second at 89 pounds. Brody Jewell placed third at 108 pounds and Jaxon Scott earned third at 138 pounds. Additional placers included Jeremiah Vanhoose (fourth, 77), Nolan Muncy (fourth, 144), Kenleigh Estep (fifth, 95), Jayce Conley (fifth, 115), Chase Messer (fifth, 122), Braxton Pack (sixth, 165) and Johnny Fitch (third, 205).

Martin County also earned Girls Team Achievement honors, with Kenleigh Estep named Most Outstanding Wrestler. Estep captured first place in the girls middle school 94–104-pound division, while Kennedy Maynard placed third in the 127–141-pound class.