WCHS senior Allison Franco will earn a state wrestling medal for the third straight year, while Pioneer sophomore Ike Gillentine won two matches in his initial state tournament appearance to finish 2-2.
Franco had the chance to finish as high as third in the state, depending on the results of Saturday’s matches, and she could fall as low as sixth.
“Allison has wrestled very well and we’re thrilled she will be bringing home a medal,” said WCHS wrestling coach Matt Turner.
Franco lost in the first round, but bounced back to gain a victory against her opponent from Science Hill in her second match.
In finishing 2-2, Gillentine posted the best record for a Pioneer male wrestler at the state tournament since 2009. Gillentine lost his opening match, then rebounded to win his next two, before being knocked out in the next round of the double-elimination tournament.
“Ike had a great tournament, meeting and exceeding all expectations that I have put on him as a sophomore,” said Turner. “We are excited about the future of the boys team under the precedence that Ike has set.”
Franco advanced to the state tournament after finishing as region champ in her 150-pound weight class. Gillentine was region runner-up at 182 pounds.
The three-day state tournament took place Thursday through Saturday at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center in Franklin.