Tuesday night’s home wrestling match did not prove successful for the WCHS wrestling team as the Pioneers took on Rutherford County’s Blackman Blaze.

The Pioneers only won one of their matches, that being a victory by Zack Keel. Warren County lost to Blackman in the other matches and the team score was 70-6. Warren County had to forfeit five weight classes due to not having a wrestler at that weight.

“Neither team has had a lot of opportunity to practice lately, but it was good to be back on the mat,” said Warren County coach Matt Turner. “Caleb Mackie is still recovering from an injury, so he was out. It’s a little bit of a rough start, but we are looking forward to getting back into rhythm and ending this year on a high note.”

Turner praised Keel for his win against Blackman and also noted Berto Dodson gave a spirited effort against Justin Bradford, who is a defending state champion.

The Pioneers will be looking to the future and preparing for the TSSAAA tournaments. 

Seniors Caleb Mackie, Berto Dodson, and Alec Smith are hopefuls to reach state tournament competition, along with freshman Zack Keel. “It’s hard to say exactly who might go because we have had to miss so much due to the holidays and weather.” said Turner. 

The region wrestling tournament is set for Jan. 27.