Kendall, Smith punch tickets to state sectionals
Clinton’s Keenan Hoskins (126) defeated Hayden Mitchell of Northview Academy in the early rounds of Saturday’s region meet at Clinton High School. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Dragons, however, delivered solid performances at the Region 2-A championships Saturday at their home venue, Don W. Lockard Gymnasium.
Two Clinton wrestlers advanced to this weekend’s state sectional championships, set for Saturday at Chuckey-Doak High School.
Dalton Kendall, Clinton’s 215-pounder, finished second in his weight class, falling to Anderson County’s Josh Bingham, the state’s top-ranked wrestler.
“Dalton wrestled really well; he lost to Josh Bingham in the championship match,” Clinton Coach Channing McDonald said. “Hopefully, we’ll see a rematch of that this week.
“It would be great to see our hometown wrestlers go one and two at sectionals.”
Jordan Smith, who competes in the 175-pound division, placed third in his regional bracket and will also compete this weekend.
“Jordan has really worked hard, and he’s done well,” McDonald said. “He’s really put in the effort.”
Three other Clinton wrestlers finished fifth at regionals and qualified as sectional alternates: Keenan Hoskins (126 pounds), Adam Gonzalez (157) and Jake Brown (165). They could fill open spots at sectionals if available.
Bryson Breeden (190) and Jonah Hoskins both placed sixth in their respective brackets.
“When I look at the guys who wrestled in those 5/6 matches, they’ve all worked hard and improved so much since the start of the year,” McDonald said. “Everybody who went to regionals won at least one match.”
