The Lowndes County Invitational, one demanding way to start out a season of wrestling, especially for the newcomers to the sport.  We, Bainbridge, have about 15 new wrestlers with only 1 week of mat time. On November 14, 2009 we went to Valdosta, GA to see the new competition for the year.

Coach Smith with Charles Emanuel, Hunter Long and Agipito Estala

I have to say that our wrestlers stepped up to the plate or should I say “Mat” and gave all they had to give. Leaving Bainbridge with 19 wrestlers, 13 of them being new, we went on a mission. This was going to be no easy task but the guys were geared up for it.  With a short meeting with the coaches, we got started pounding the mat.

Bainbridge started out with its first three wrestlers winning their matches by pin in the first round. As the competition got harder the bearcats hung strong. At day’s end, the Bearcats had an overall record of 45 wins with 31 loses. 

Three Bearcats stood among the rest Saturday by placing in the top 3 for the whole tournament.  With a first place medal, Charles Emanuel at the 200 pound weight class won all his matches finishing 4-0 and all ending in the first round bye pin. Charles has improved so much; he really looked like a varsity wrestler out there. Last year Charles received 3rd place in Lowndes. 

Hunter Long won our 2nd place medal with a strong start, pinning all his opponents in the 1st round but found a stumbling block against Colquitt County. Hunter was leading the match and had his opponent in a pinning combination when it was reversed.  Hunter finished the day off with a 4-1 record. Hunter is our veteran wrestler and we expect him to lead this team to many victories this year.

With our 3rd place medal, Agipito Estala finished the day with a 3-2 record also pinning all his opponents. Agipito is a very coachable young man and listens very well which results in him getting better all the time.

Overall I was very impressed by the performance of the all the guys in our first tournament. We have the best morally sound team that I have ever coached here in Bainbridge. All our guys should be very proud and excited about the upcoming rest of the season.