BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WISE, Va. — Martin County Middle School wrestling delivered a strong team performance at the Bobby Bates Youth Classic. The team finished second overall, narrowly falling to Warhawk Wrestling 217-214, while producing multiple champions and podium finishes across every class.

The event took place Dec. 21 at the University of Virginia`s College at Wise David J. Prior Convocation Center in Wise, Virginia.

The Cardinals’ depth showed early and often, with first-place finishes anchoring the team score and steady placings throughout the brackets.

In the 6U division, James Blackburn placed third at 35 pounds.

The 8U division saw Jeremiah Looney capture first place at 70 pounds, providing an early boost for Martin County.

Head coach Andrew Chaffin’s crew was dominant in the 10U division, where Lukas Mays won the 50/55-pound class, Jeremiah Vanhoose took first at 75 pounds and David West claimed first at 90 pounds. Greyson Maynard added a runner-up finish at 80 pounds.

The 12U division produced some of the team’s strongest results. Lukas Mays earned another first-place finish at 60/65 pounds, Bryce Williamson won the 85-pound class, Jason West captured first at 100 pounds and Nolan Muncy claimed first at 148 pounds.

Jeremiah Vanhoose and Jace Vanhoose both finished second at 70/75 and 108 pounds, respectively, while Kenleigh Estep placed second at 95 pounds.

Greyson Maynard and Colten Anderson each added third-place finishes.

At the middle school level, Bryce Williamson placed second at 80/85 pounds, Chase Messer earned second at 120 pounds, Braxton Pack finished second at 170 pounds and Noah McCoy placed second in the 182/195-pound class.

Colten Anderson (90), Jayce Conley (115), Kennedy Maynard (132) and Jaxon Scott (138) all recorded third-place finishes.

Adam May placed fifth at 145 pounds, and Johnny Fitch finished fourth in the heavyweight division.