Wakulla War Eagle Wrestling Coach John Wainwright and his grapplers finally got to sleep in their own beds while attending a tournament.

WHS hosted the Wakulla Bank Tournament last week and tied for first with Niceville and Clay County. Niceville won the tiebreaker and Clay placed second while Wakulla finished third.

The rest of the teams included Lincoln, Panama City Beach Arnold, Fort Walton Beach, Chiles, South Walton, Godby and Leon.

Wainwright said he was pleased that his wrestlers beat Clay County head-to-head. Clay also beat Niceville and Niceville topped Wakulla.

Individually, Jeremy Hall was 3-0 at 103 pounds. He only competed one day, but is ranked third in the state. Kevon White was 4-2 at 112. Tyler Hill is ranked seventh in the state at 119 and he was 7-0 in the tournament.

Carlton Atkinson wrestled well at 125, according to the coach. Cameron Crum was 4-3 at 130. Robert Douin was 4-3 at 135. Scotty Varner is ranked first in the state at 140 and he was 7-0 in the tournament.

Brandon Cardin was 4-3 at 145. Brett Buckridge was injured and did not finish the tourney at 152. Luke Taylor was 6-1 at 160. Matt Fields did not compete last week at 171. Tyler Corbett was 5-2 at 189 pounds. Cole Woofter was 6-1 at 215 and Travis McCullough was 6-1 at heavyweight.

The team also held a fundraiser for Travis Hinsey who has begun a battle against cancer. The Clay team presented him with gifts and competitors wished him well while he is being treated.

This week Wakulla will travel to Suwannee County for the district competition which will be held Feb. 5. The top four wrestlers in each weight class will advance to the regionals the following week at Clay County. The state championships follow the regionals in Lakeland.

“Wrestling technique is the key to getting to state,” said Wainwright. “They have to get the moves down.” The coach concluded that the team is prepared for the post-season in every other way.