News Sports Opinion Photos Social Classified Obits Contact
 
 
 
Tallassee's three senior reps (from left): Ledbetter, Bell, Stevenson

8 wrestlers get state invite

By Michael Butler

Tallassee will send eight wrestlers to the AHSAA Class 5A/6A State Championships in Huntsville. Matches will begin on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Von Braun Civic Center.

Rutland Phillips (106), Land Bell (120), John Burnham (138), Christian McCary (145), Jake Debardelaben (160), Mason Bell (170), Ethan Stevenson (182) and Tres Ledbetter (195) are Tallassee representatives who were selected this year by an invitation-only process based on record and previous tournament history.

Last year, seven Tigers were state qualifiers. Five of those seven return this season; the two Bells, Burhnam, McCary and Debardelaben.

"We are excited to go compete," head coach John Mask said. "The young men have been working really hard these past few weeks getting prepared. This is our first time wrestling in the néw classification of 5A-6A."

THS State Reps (Grade/Record)

Rutland Phillips (10th) 14-2
Land Bell (8th) 13-1
John Burnham (11th) 6-1
Christian McCary (9th) 6-4
Jake Debardelaben (11th) 11-2
Mason Bell (12th) 6-0
Ethan Stevenson (12th) 14-1
Tres Ledbetter (12th) 15-2