Mavericks matmen to build on historic season
The high school wrestling season is already in full swing, and Anderson County is coming off its most successful campaign in school history.
Last season, the Mavericks were region runners-up, and qualified for the Class AA state duals for the first time in school history.
Coach Matt Slone returns for another season and is looking for bigger and better things in 2024-25.
“I really think we can build on what happened last year,” Slone said. “I think we can win the region. If we win the region, it will be the first time, and that will get us to the state duals again. We’ve never won the region. We’ve been the runner-up a few times.”
The Mavericks picked up a signature dual-meet victory when they defeated Class AAA powerhouse Maryville recently. Not only did Anderson County beat the Rebels, but they shut them out 75-0.
Michael Mattson, who wrestles in the 113-pound weight class, pinned Maryville’s Hunter Adams in 3 minutes, 3 seconds.
Zed Hulet (120 pounds) scored a technical fall, defeating Beau Bailey 18-1. In the 126-pound division, Aiden Reed also won by technical fall, routing Karsen Ogle 20-2. At 132 pounds, Tripp Haire won by fall over Adam Nelson in 1:32.
At 138 pounds, Edmund Presson pinned Ian Worthley in 41 seconds. Max Wolfley (144 pounds) won a pin over Cade Sloan in 1:08.
In the 150-pound weight class, Hayden Harrell (a transfer from Clinton High) won by fall, pinning Carson Lindsey in 1:18. At 157 pounds, Kyden Matchette pinned Pierce Morris in 38 seconds. Evan Prewitt (165 pounds) stuck Brady Lewis in 2:57.
Eli Bratton (190 pounds) and Hayden Craig each recorded pins, and Josh Bingham (215 pounds) won by technical fall.
Haire, Presson, Wolfley, Matchette, and Prewitt all return, along with Noah Heath (150 pounds), Bratton, Bingham, Gray, Slade Alley (285 pounds), and Jonah Robbins (a junior co-op heavyweight from Oliver Springs High School).
Hulet, a transfer from Illinois, and Reed, a transfer from Florida, also join the Mavericks.
Harrell, previously a wrestler for the Dragons, is another new addition.
Isaiah Tuckey (165 pounds) is back, and Joe Rygelski (175 pounds) returns after missing last season due to injury.
Bratton will move to the 190-pound division after earning a state medal at 215 pounds last season.
Bingham, who wrestled at 165 pounds last season, will move up to the 215-pound division this year.
Lady Mavericks have two
returners
Danielle Connors (126 pounds) and Asa Ellis, both sophomores, are back for their second season on the mats.
