Christian County had two wrestlers bring home individual titles, helping the Colonels finish in fourth place at the prestigious Johnny Drennan 85 Memorial Tournament at Father Ryan High School in Nashville Saturday.
Jakerion Merritt had one of Christian County’s two first place finishes in a packed field. He won his first four matches of the day and took down Union County’s Trevor Pogue in a 7-5 decision for the championship.
Niko Bussell had the other first place finish for Christian County, winning five matches on the day. He beat Cleveland’s Ashton Davis 3-1 to claim the title in the 220-pound class.
Cameron Coleman took second place in the 182-pound class for the Colonels. He won his first four matches of the day before falling to defending state champion Micah Ervin of Union County in the championship match.
TyDarius Kelly finished fourth at 285, winning four matches before falling to Notre Dame’s Jacob Brigman in a 2-1 decision.
Gage Fowler finished fifth in the 120-pound class. He defeated Friendship Christian’s Chase Eakes 4-3 for the fifth place finish after winning three previous matches.
Austin Grant-Hall also brought home a fifth place finish for Christian County. After winning his first four matches of the day, Grant-Hall dropped two straight. He took fifth place when C.J. Grisar of Waukesha West, Wisc. forfeited the fifth place match.
A.J. Harvey finished seventh in the 195-pound class. He finished the day with a 4-2 record, topped off by a win over Fairview’s Jacob Clevenger in a 5-3 decision.
Ethan Wells finished eighth in the 126-pound class. He won three matches on the day – two via pin.
Neal Aldridge won three matches in the 160-pound class but failed to place.
Wrestlers who won two matches on the day include JaRi Campbell (106), Mason Kellett (132), and J.T. Adams (170).
Christian County finished fourth out of 48 schools with 199 points. Union County (276.5) took first place. Cleveland, Tenn. (232) was second, and Bradley Central (210) was third.