Bingham, Connors lead Mavericks wrestling to new heights
Anderson County High School’s wrestling program has enjoyed unprecedented success over the past two seasons.
The Mavericks reached the State Duals last year and earned their first-ever victory at the event in Franklin. Over the last three seasons, Anderson County has consistently produced multiple state qualifiers and medalists at various tournaments, including the state championships.
Early in the 2024-25 season, the program reached new heights. Just before Christmas, two Anderson County wrestlers—one boy and one girl—earned No. 1 rankings in the Pin-TN.com TSSAA polls for their respective weight classes.
Senior Joshua Bingham, competing in the 215-pound division, and sophomore Danielle Connors, wrestling at 126 pounds, topped the rankings in the polls released the week of Dec. 16.
“This is definitely big for our program, and it shows just what we’ve been able to accomplish in our room,” said Anderson County coach Matt Slone. “This is the first time in our history that we’ve had a girl ranked No. 1. It’s a testament to how much we’ve improved.”
Bingham, a senior, medaled at last year’s TSSAA Class A State Championships, placing sixth in the 165-pound division. This season, he made the jump to 215 pounds, a move driven by the team’s graduation losses at heavier weight classes.
“Actually, it all started when we lost wrestlers at 175, 190, and 215,” Bingham said. “My friend, Morgan Dye, convinced me to do it.”
Slone had high expectations for Bingham’s success in his new division.
“He’s put on weight, but it’s good weight,” Slone said. He’s a super kid and a great competitor.”
Bingham began wrestling after playing football as a freshman. His love for the mats has grown over the years, and he has earned medals in Greco-Roman wrestling during the offseason.
“The thing that appeals to me about wrestling is just how demanding it is,” Bingham said. “I grew up playing all the sports.”
While Bingham has a long history of wrestling success, Connors is a relative newcomer to the sport. She joined the Anderson County wrestling team midway through her freshman year after moving to Tennessee from Florida.
Despite her limited experience, Connors has quickly risen to prominence, thanks in part to her extensive background in combat sports, including boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and taekwondo.
“I started wrestling in January of last year,” Connors said. “Wrestling is MMA, really, because a lot of it is on the ground. My experience in martial arts has been really useful in wrestling.”
Connors’ rapid success hasn’t surprised Slone.
“Danielle is a super talented kid,” he said.
As the first female wrestler in Anderson County history to achieve a No. 1 ranking, Connors takes her accomplishment seriously.
“Honestly, it’s really exciting,” she said. “It’s definitely an honor. Wrestling is exciting, and you always have your teammates encouraging you and cheering for you.”
