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Martin County wrestlers bring home gold
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISVILLE — Six Martin County wrestlers showcased their talent at the 2025 KY/USA Freestyle & Greco State Championship this weekend. In the 16U division, Brayden Fannin dominated and secured first-place finishes in both the Greco-Roman and Freestyle competitions at 190 pounds. Jeremy Begley also had a strong showing in the
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Smith signs with UPIKE
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Ryan Smith, a wrestler at Martin County High School, signed May 2 at MCHS to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Pikeville, where he plans to obtain a teaching degree and return to Martin County in the future as an educator. He is the
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Lowe to continue wrestling at UPIKE
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Payton Lowe, a wrestler at Martin County High School, signed a national letter of intent May 2 at MCHS to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Pikeville, where he plans to study criminal justice. Family members are Jarrett and Connie Lowe. Payton is the
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LeMaster signs with UPIKE
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — George LeMaster, a wrestler at Martin County High School, signed May 2 to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Pikeville. He plans to study health and human performance. The Cardinal is the son of Larry and Sheila Lemaster of Tomahawk and has demonstrated outstanding
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A two-time Olympian, a holler and a message bigger than wrestling
What happens when a world-class wrestler meets a group of scrappy Martin County athletes in the heart of Appalachia? For James Gruenwald, the answer is resilience, revelation and—yes—elk. BY JASON JEWELL FOR MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — James Gruenwald has wrestled in 23 countries, stood on Olympic mats twice, and coached at the collegiate level for
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Mays captures third in Viper Pit Duals
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN TRIADELPHIA, W.Va. — Martin County Youth Wrestling grappler Lukas Mays continues to add to his trophy arsenal. The feisty matman stood on the podium after capturing third place this weekend at the Viper Pit Duals. Mays wrestles with team “GT.” The squad won the silver bracket in which Mays went
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Martin County makes noise at Spatola Classic
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN BATAVIA, Ohio — Martin County sent a crew of warriors to the Spatola Classic Battle for the Shield and walked away with more than bruises and mat burn. They left a mark Saturday at the Elite Athletics Sports Complex in Batavia, Ohio. Ashton Parker Maynard was a calm storm at
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Tommy’s Auto Sales Player of the Week: Lukas Mays
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County youth wrestler Lukas Mays is the Tommy’s Auto Sales Player of the Week. Mays wrestled in the Heartland National Duals in Iowa over the weekend and secured a 7-1 record. He was named the Most Valuable Wrestler for Team Kentucky.
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Youth wrestlers compete in Iowa
Mays earns Most Valuable Wrestler BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — Three Martin County wrestlers competed for Team Kentucky at the 2025 Heartland USA National Duals on March 29 and 30 at Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Lukas Mays received the prestigious Most Valuable Wrestler award after placing fourth in
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Cardinals wrestlers earn All-Region honors
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Eleven Martin County High School wrestlers have been named to the 2025 Region 8 All-Region team, with Blake Lemaster earning the distinction of Most Outstanding Wrestler in the 113-pound weight class. The Cardinals placed seven wrestlers on the first team: Jeremy Mollett at 106 pounds, Blake Lemaster at 113, Jono
