By Allen Hamrick
The Panther wrestling team was in Lewis County to participate in the Region II wrestling tournament. Here is where all the work the wrestlers have done throughout the year pays dividends. Here is where it is determined who will go to the state tournament. In each region, only the top four wrestlers in each weight bracket will advance to the big dance in Huntington. The wrestlers who represent Clay do an outstanding job each year, and no matter what tournament you go to, they are the ones to beat even when outnumbered.
This year, Clay will be sending five wrestlers to the state finals. Senior Zane Minger beat Braydon Helmick from Braxton to become the 2024 126 pound Region II Champion. Junior James Sears beat Jacob Nutt from Robert C Byrd to become the, 2024 113 pound Region II Champion. Also heading to the big dance will be Freshman Blake Coleman and Logan Hobbs and Junior Dawson Chandler who all took 3rd place.
If you get the opportunity, come out and support these boys. They work hard to be the best in their class, and the state tournament may just prove that they are. The State Tournament will begin on February 29th and will continue through Saturday, March 2nd. Congratulations to the wrestlers who made it to the state competition. Bring home the gold!
