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The Bearcat wrestling team traveled to Cairo for the Traditional Region wrestling tournament over the weekend. They took care of business, finishing first and defending their tournament win from 2023.

The “traditional” format for wrestling is individual-focused. Wrestlers face off in a double elimination bracket, and the further a wrestler progresses, the more points they score for their team. The Bearcats won the Region tournament with a score of 192.5 points, more than 35 points more than second place.

Bainbridge brought 12 wrestlers to the region meet, and all finished in at least the top three in their weight class.

Freshman LeTuan Howard finished first in the 126 lbs class, senior Layton Burris finished first in the 138 lbs class, senior James Jackson finished first in the 150 lbs class, freshman Noah Stutler finished first in the 175 lbs class, senior Bradley Marshburn finished first in the 190 lbs class. The first-place finish is Marshburn’s second in his wrestling career, taking the top spot in 2023.

Sophomore Diont’e Smith finished second in the 132 lbs class, and junior Ethyn Castro finished second in the 215 lbs class.

Junior Izavious Scott finished third in the 120 lbs class, senior Julius Gamble finished third in the 144 lbs class, Sophomore Khaled Mullins finished third in the 157 lbs class, Sophomore Bryce Burke finished third in the 165 lbs class and senior Elias Floyd finished third in the heavyweight class.

All 12 wrestlers punched their tickets to the sectional tournament next weekend. The sectionals tournament is one stop before the state meet, a level these Bearcat wrestlers have yet to reach.

“This is a new experience for everybody,” said Bearcats head coach Paul Coleman. 

Sectionals will be held in Troup County on Saturday, Feb. 10.