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Wrestling season ends in Huntsville
By Michael Butler
The Tallassee wrestling season is complete, and while no wrestlers stood on the podium in Huntsville, the season was still a success according to head coach John Mask.
"We have had an amazing year winning the Class 5A-6A Region 2 championship and making it to the Final 8 in the dual playoff," Mask said. "As a team we finished the year 29-1, which is one of the best seasons in our history. I can’t say enough about the hard work and dedication by our wrestlers this year. We are super proud of our guys and very excited about the future."
Mask spoke about the four state qualifiers; Brendan Emfinger, Land Bell, Bry Hathcock and Christian McCary. Emfinger did not make the trip to Huntsville due to an injury.
"(Wrestling) at the state tourney is a very high honor," Mask stated. "Bry Hathcock, Land Bell and Christian McCary all competed this weekend and will be back next year."
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| McCary on the mat for Tallassee with coaches Mask and Cook looking on |
In the 126-pound class, Hathcock (27-13) lost to Clinton Stewart of Scottsboro by a fall (:55) and Shamel Smith of Clay Chalkville by a fall (1:55).
At 132, Bell (41-6) defeated Ryan Scott of St. Clair County by a decision (6-3). He lost in the quarterfinal to Lincoln Bryant of Hartselle (3-2). In the consolations, Bell beat Austin Silva of Arab (16-8) and was eliminated by medical forfeit against William Duncan of Pike Road.
In the 160-pound division, McCary (38-10) lost by medical forfeit in his opening match to Dawson Williams of Fort Payne. He won by forfeit in the consolations over Jake Janson of Southside Gadsden and was unable to wrestle due to his first-match injury against Jordyn Johnson of Clay Chalkville.
The Class 5A/6A team champion was Mortimer Jordan. Arab was second. McAdory was third. Tallassee was 37 out of 44 teams.
"Coach (Dustin) Cook and I are really are proud of each wrestler this year," Mask said. "It is our hope that they learned something this year that will help them along life’s journey and that they are better young men because of this season. We had triumphs, injuries, success and struggles but through it all we always kept working and striving to get better and keep winning."
Photos by Mark Bell
2021-22 Results
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