Folkstyle Nationals Recap
I would like to thank all the kids, dads, and TGA for making this trip possible. It was a great time by all and the kids really seemed to enjoy it. It was a great chance for our guys to see some top competition and compete with them. When ever you go into a state (And on this trip we went through a few extra but that is a different story MOSS!!!!!) like Iowa you know there are studs waiting to greet you.
Just to recap some of the best from the weekend here we go.
First Darshawn, Marshawn, and Brooks are animals on the mat and looked like it this weekend. They were controlled on the mat when they needed to be and exploded for big scores when they could. These guys are always up for a good time and by the time the finals came Brooks knew he would have to hear it from Darshawn if he did not get his stop sign.
Second Ethan Blackstock, he is truely a great kid at heart and a competitor on the mat. If he would have been smarter in his quarters there is no doubt he would have been in the finals. And it takes a lot of guts to get back up wrestle the match to get in, break your hand in the first period, and beat that beat from Wisconsin in the rideout overtime.
Third Hemmings it is never easy to win a match on the National Level no matter the tournament. This guy won 6 of them before loosing out a round too soon. After an early loss I got the pleasure of being in his corner and watching him wrestle back until he was so tired he did not even realize we were back at the hotel. This guy you need to keep your eye on.
Now for the little guys.....
First Will Moss is as good on the mat as he is funny off of it. He and Caden probably spent as much time on their DS systems as on the mat. He hit a couple tough kids and wrestling up in weight, but still came through with a 6th place finish and probably the sweetest looking Belt I have ever seen. Charlie you need to post a pick of that thing.
Next Jack Woods, it took me and Sean a few matches to figure this guy out. He warms up like a pushover, dresses like a pushover, but this kid has a great act going cause he can wrestle. After making the quarters before loosing in the win your in match, Sean made a point to let him know he is on "Blackstock" status now, meaning his expectations are now raised and he can expect more extra work in practice now....
Third JD Rogers and Matthew Moody two more south georgia boys making a name for themselves. JD wrestled a smart tournament and was able to place 4th while loosing to the same guy he lost too in the championship bracket. (the kid was big) Moody had a breakout tournament winning in dominating fashion and working the game plans we laid out for him perfectly. This kid is a true talent and with these two the schoolboy team this year looks to be solid once again.
Finally....
After 1700 miles, 29-30hrs on the road and 2 national champions, 1 runner up, and 9 All-Americans later, I can say that Georgia is representing well in all national tournaments. The kids are getting out seeing for themselves what this sport is all about and the success is starting to take shape. I again thank everyone who made this trip possible and to every kid who went I thank you for a great time, and some great wrestling.
Thanks,
David Mathews
