Last year Social Circle High School Varsity Wrestling team won the Panther Invitational with Jefferson as runner-up. This year Jefferson won the two day event, at Jackson County High School with the Redskins finishing in second place. The Panther Invitational is a traditional tournament loaded with talented wrestling programs from all over the state including South Carolina (25 teams).

The field had three teams that won state last year (Commerce 1A, Jefferson 2A and Buford 3A) with three teams that finished third in the state in their respective classifications (Athens Christian 1A, Social Circle 2A, and Elbert County 3A)along with several top 10 teams in all six classifications.

The team results behind Jefferson and Social Circle in order were Lexington, S.C., Kennesaw Mountain, Oconee County, Buford, Effington County, Clarke Central, Heritage (Conyers), Jackson County, North Hall, Madison County, Peachtree Ridge, Flowery Branch, Elbert County, Gainesville, East Coweta, Newton County, East Hall, Commerce, Towers, Westside (Augusta), East Jackson, Strong Rock Christian and Athens Christian.

Coach Randy Prater’s Redskins came into the tournament missing grapplers in two weight classes (182 and 220) because of injury and sickness which caused a shuffle in the line- up. The Redskins had seven placers which included two champions, two runner-ups, two third placers and one sixth placer.

Senior Aaron Forrester wrestling up at 170 from 160 because of injury(s) dominated the heavier weight class going 5-0 which included three falls in the 170 (16) man bracket. Reid Harris (Jr) was Champion at 138 going 4-0 with two pins. Cade Lackey (So) placed second at 152. Levi Leach (Jr) also placed second at 126. James Corasaniti (Jr) at 132 and freshman, sensation Micah Thompson at 145 both placed third. Finishing sixth place was Freshman Kyle Morris at 106.

Prater said, “Our program did very well over the weekend accomplishing a lot at two tournaments. I am very proud of both squads.” (SCHS also entered a team at the Walnut Grove tournament finishing fourth with 13 teams). Prater added, “We must stay hungry and keep working towards achieving our goals.” Social Circle’s goal this year is the state title.