Excitement is growing in Boyd athletics as the school continues to add new teams. The Boyd wrestling team was the latest to make its debut as seven Broncos hit the mat over the weekend at Harpeth Hall High School.
Coach Mickey Ralph was huge in pushing the school to add the program and his dream was realized when the Broncos suited up against opponents from Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee over the weekend. It turns out the Broncos had a few quick learners and Dean Wingate and Bryant Ralph each won medals in their debut.
Wingate, a freshman, and Ralph, a sophomore, both took third place in their weight classes Saturday. Teammates Gavin Terry and Jaxon Grissom also earned their first wins in their first day of wrestling for the Broncos.
Kai Bennett, Kase Bennett and Weston Wright also made their debuts for the Broncos over the weekend.
Coach Ralph has a long history in the sport, dating back to his high school days as a wrestler. While he's seen all scenarios on the mat from inside the circle, nothing could prepare him for the rush of pride he experienced when the Broncos earned six wins over the weekend.
"It was nerve-racking. My heart was pounding," said Ralph about his feelings when the team hit the mat. "We have a great group of kids - just tremendous athletes with tremendous character and work ethic. I'm so proud of them."
Boyd has seen a big growth in sports this school year. Wrestling was the second new team to debut in 2024-25 as middle school volleyball took the court for the first time last month. The Lady Broncos have picked up two wins with their young team, including beating Cannon County Monday night at home.
Boyd will also have its first cheerleading squads this winter and the Broncos are looking to field a boys volleyball team in the spring to compete in the TSIAA.
There have also been some discussions about the possibility of adding girls flag football, though there is nothing definitive on that front at the time.
Overall, wrestling's instant success is only encouraging the Broncos and Lady Broncos to look for more avenues to showcase their athletes.
"More and more kids seem to be seeing the opportunity to come to Boyd and have success," said Boyd athletic director Tim Page. "We've had teams win conference championships, play for state titles and go to different states to represent our school.
"It's a really exciting time for Boyd athletics. We're really looking forward to what is next for all our teams."
Ralph and the Broncos will be back on the mat several times over the next few months. He is still finalizing the schedule and the Standard will release it when it is complete.
