Cass second, Woodland sixth at 2021 Knockout Christmas Classic in Kissimmee, Florida

Competing with 30 other top high school wrestling programs from a six state collection, the Cass Colonels placed second overall at the 2021 Knockout Christmas Classic in Kissimmee, Florida Monday and Tuesday.

Jesuit (Florida) won the prestigious tournament with 208.5 points utilizing competitors in all weight divisions. Cass was runner-up with 157.5 fielding only 11 wrestlers. Lake Gibson (Florida) 138.5, Palmetto Ridge (Florida) 136.5, and South Dade (Florida) 126.5 rounded out the top five teams. Woodland finished just outside the top five with 125.5 points. Charlotte (Florida) 116, Buford (Ga.) 110, Jefferson (Ga.) 108.5, and Thompson (Ala.) finished sixth through tenth.

Cole Hunt (120-pounds) and Jake Crapps (126) both went 5-0 to win their respective weight classes. Bryce Kresho (138) won six of seven matches to place third. A.J. Piatt (113) and Tyler McKnight (145) went 5-2 and 6-2, respectively to finish fifth.

Cam Walters (152), Kriecg Roe (160), Parker Dunn (182), Tripp Adams (195), and William Buttram (220) also picked up team points for the Colonels.

Woodland’s Caleb Henson (152) swept his five bouts to win his bracket and Cole Cochran (160) went 5-1 to earn a runner-up position.

Marvin Hernandez (106), William Bishop (126), Carson Bailey (132), Randy Buchanan (138), Zach Wallace (145), Charles Higdon (195), and Beau Jernigan (285) also earned points for the Wildcats.

Both teams now begin preparations for the Region 7-AAAAA Duals Championship at Cass on Saturday, January 8.