Coach Chad Smith’s Bainbridge Middle School Bearcats wrestling team opened their season with strong performances against the Crisp County Middle School Cougars and the Lee County Middle School Trojans.

They defeated the Cougars 75-25 and lost a hard fought 38-66 decision to the Trojans.

“We have 45 solid wrestlers who are working hard in practice every day,” Smith said. “Nine of those are returnees from last season.”

The team had several first time wrestlers win their matches against Lee County. Latavius Baker Josh Brown, Nick Handcock, Glenn Cooper, Tshombe McKay, Resheed McKay, Willliam Johnson, Greg Meritt and Josh Williams all won, despite only going on two days of mat time, Smith said.

“With very little knowledge, but a lot of determination and aggression, they performed beyond expectations,” Smith said. “Our returning wrestlers were just trying to get back in the groove after a long break from last season.”

Returnees recording wins were Blake Merchant, Collin Ward, Hayden Guy, Ashton Cato, Damian Rackley, Dalin Mack and Jack Reynolds.

“Two of our veteran guys, Curt Marshall and Mason Birdsong, recorded victories as well,” Smith said. “Our guys showed real heart and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season holds after we get some quality practice time behind us.”