Williams mows through Southeast Regionals
Cherokee – Practice makes perfect. Repetition is key. You have to go the extra mile.
Whatever tagline you want to associate with student-athletes who spend the offseason from their respective sports by competing anytime, anywhere they can, it is a mentality that has stood the test of time.
Seven members of the Robbinsville wrestling program (competing under the Peak Wrestling umbrella) recently showed why seasoning is such a key ingredient to success at the USA Wrestling Southeast Regionals, held May 28 at the new Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Convention Center.
And once again, Kage Williams somehow managed to pluck another feather into his top-heavy hat at the end of the multi-floor tournament. The Appalachian State-commit) became “The Ville’s” inaugural Southeast Regional champion, winning 4-of-5 matches by technical fall to capture the Junior Freestyle 195-pound championship.
Williams showed why the Mountaineers were right to pursue the 3-time state champion, as he opened the showcase with a 10-0 win over Tennessee’s Ayden Derry; North Carolina’s Raymond Laney; Georgia’s Colby LeJeune and Tennessee’s Thomas Stadel to reach the finals.
His championship bout was against Georgia’s Evan Wingrove (Heritage High School, Ringgold). Williams had defeated Wingrove 3-1 at the National High School Coaches Association High School Nationals on March 24, so the rematch was highly anticipated – and delivered on the hype.
As these things tend to go, Williams showed his place in the spotlight was not a fluke by gutting out a 6-4 decision over Wingrove, who is also entering his senior campaign – and has yet to commit to a collegiate program.
Six other wrestlers showed their skills from Graham County at the tournament: Skyler Anderson (Junior division, 120 pounds, folkstyle and freestyle); Kyler Branham (16U, 182, folkstyle and freestyle); Lleyton Hooper (16U, 145, folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman); Loxston Hooper (16U, 132, folkstyle, freestyle and Greco-Roman); Bobby Moore (16U, 145, folkstyle and freestyle); and Kreed Williams (12U, 117-125, freestyle).