Coach Chad Smith’s Bainbridge Middle School Bearcats wrestling team captured third place Saturday, Dec. 22, at Cairo’s third annual Syrupmaker Classic. The Bearcats finished behind River Springs (Fla.) and Washington Middle School (Cairo).

“We had 14 guys competing in Cairo, in weight classes ranging from 80 pounds to 220 pounds,” Smith said. “After finishing the regular season undefeated, we knew that there was a great chance of placing and bringing home a trophy.”

The Bearcats advanced 10 of 14 wrestlers in the first round. They sent seven wrestlers into the finals and placement rounds.

Wrestlers competing in finals matches for first and second place were Perry Birdsong, Jimmy Nix, Zion McGee, Karenski Williams, Ryan Adams and Bryce Vaughn. Adams and Vaughn finished the day undefeated, and took home first-place medals.

Birdsong, Nix, McGee and Williams took home second place. Tristan Manley and Larone Broadnax captured third place.

“We were very proud of our wrestlers efforts in Cairo,” Smith said. “They showed real heart and determination against some adversity. A lot of our wrestlers had never been in a tournament before, and they acted like veterans.”