By Nick Nunn
Staff Writer

After taking on Jefferson and Loganville in duals at home on Wednesday, Jan. 16, the MCHS varsity and JV teams split up for the weekend; the varsity team traveled to Habersham Central High School to compete in the Sham Slam tournament, and the JV team competed in the Marist Duals.
The Mat Dogs split their duals last Wednesday, beating Loganville 51-21 but losing to Jefferson 21-53.
Jacob McAlister, Austin Ross, Stewart Spence, and Nathan Lundy won their matches against Loganville with pins. Wyatt Martin, Colin Efird, and Dakota Shelton were able to earn decisions against their counterparts from Loganville, while Timothy Leclair, Quentavious Jackson, and Preston Langley won by forfeit.
Austin Ross, Stewart Spence, Bailey Ross, and Kareem Ismail were the only Morgan County wrestlers to win their matches in their defeat by Jefferson.
At the Sham Slam, three Mat Dogs earned medals in the competition: Stewart Spence (fourth), Austin Ross (third), and Bailey Ross (second).
“This was by far the toughest event on our schedule,” said Coach John Robbins after the tournament. “The closest comparison I can make for this event would be if Georgia had a combined state tournament with all classifications. At this level, one mistake is all it takes.”
Considering the level of competition the team faced in Habersham, Coach Robbins is proud of the team’s drive, which is especially evident in the senior members.
“I can’t say enough about these seniors, who continue to prove that they can wrestle with anyone in the state.”
The JV Mat Dogs were victorious in Atlanta at the Marist Duals, where they defeated Lithonia, the Woodward Academy, and Marist.
This Saturday, the JV team will finish off its season at the Social Circle Redskin Rumble.
The Mat Dogs had Senior night at home last Tuesday, when they wrestled in a dual against Rockdale County, who was a semi-finalist for 6A at the state duals.
The varsity wrestlers will travel to Pope High School in Marietta this Saturday to face Osborne, Milton, Pope and Archer. That meet will begin Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

Printed in the January 24, 2013 edition.