Dragons wrestling wins Gibbs dual meet
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Aaron Solberg gets the takedown against his Northview Senior Academy opponent at the Gibbs Duals on Friday. - Tony Cox
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Daemeion Leavell looks to his coach- es for guidance during his match on Friday. - Tony Cox
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Clinton’s Justice Snyder escapes from the down position and quickly gains control over his Northview Senior Academy opponent during Friday’s dual meet at Gibbs High School. - Tony Cox
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Clinton wrestling celebrates its top finish at the Gibbs dual meet Friday. Pictured are (back row from left): Jackson Ayers, Jordan Smith, Janelle Casado, Alyssa Gonzoles, Kayla Crutcher, Head Coach Channing McDonald, Adam Gonzoles, Roman Hollifield, Ace Johnson, Maggie Lloyd, Lucas Reynolds and Dalton Kendall. Front row: Caleb Kendall, Parker Sanchez, Aaron Solberg, Hayden Harrell, Riley Silk, Deameion Leavell and Coach Damien Leavell. - Tony Cox
The 2023 calendar year came to an end with the Clinton High School wrestling team earning a dual tournament championship Friday against Gibbs in Corryton.
The Dragons claimed the title with a signature win over a powerhouse program and perennial state championship contender.
Clinton won the Gibbs Holiday Duals and defeated the host Eagles 42-27 to earn the title.
While CHS Coach Channing McDonald was obviously elated with his team’s showing, he didn’t enjoy things as much as one would think.
“It was the first time that Clinton had beaten Gibbs, and they’re the program that we all aspire to be,” McDonald said. “But, it was also bitter-sweet.
“It was bitter-sweet because (Gibbs Coach) Tim Pittman was my coach, and a lot of the things we do as a program are the same things that Tim does.
“We do joint practices and we go to scrimmages together.”
The Dragons advanced to the championship match against the Eagles with three lopsided victories in pool competition.
Clinton opened the day with a morning victory over Northview Academy, prevailing 56-24.
The Dragons also toppled Carter 48-18, and knocked off Pigeon Forge 43-21.
Riley Silk, who wrestles in the 150-pound weight class, and Dalton Kendall (215 pounds) went undefeated. Justice Snyder also boasted an unblemished record in Corryton.
“Riley Silk had a big day,” McDonald said. “He and Dalton Kendall were undefeated all the way through, and I don’t think Justice Snyder lost a match.
“We also got a good performance from one of our new guys, Aaron Solberg, at 106. He fought hard.”
The Dragons will return to the mats as they travel to Scott.
Clinton’s girls will be in the Maryville Invitational Friday, with the boys tournament following on Saturday at Maryville High School.
Anderson County will also be there.
“We’ll be in Maryville, and we expect to have some good showings there,” McDonald said.