Flu bug can’t pin Pioneer grapplers

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Warren County wrestler Donnie Roach controls his opponent during a recent Pioneer home match. Roach finished second in the 135-pound class at last weekend’s Tullahoma Invitational. (Dale Stubblefield photo)

The Warren County High School wrestling team has been very successful this year, and continued its stellar performance this past weekend by finishing sixth in the Tullahoma Invitational Tournament.

Senior Chris King finished with a 4-1 record at Tullahoma, placing second in the heavyweight division. Richard Kloosterman also finished 4-1, taking home a third-place finish, Donnie Roach finished 4-1 in the 135-pound class with a second-place finish, and Justin Anderson brought home a second-place trophy by going 4-1 in the 152-pound class.

“This was a big tournament and the team faced some top-notch competition,” said coach Matt Turner. “The flu bug hit us last week, so we only took 12 wrestlers. Mark Chambers was out along with Casey Welch, if we could have filled a full team we could have finished in the top three.

“Everybody did a great job, and this team has proven they can compete with anyone. I’m very proud of them right now and hope they can keep it going throughout the rest of the season.”

The Pioneers are currently tied for first place with Smyrna in District 9. They were scheduled to face the Bulldogs last week, but the match was postponed and a make-up date has yet been determined.

The Pioneers will have the rest of the Christmas break off and start back on the practice mat next week. Warren County will travel to Chattanooga Jan. 9-10 for the Chattanooga Central Tournament.