Wildcats pinned in state finals

From staff reports

FRANKLIN — One win from its first state championship in the sport, Wilson Central's wrestling team found itself far away from TSSAA gold Saturday as Cleveland pinned the Wildcats 78-4 in the State Dual finals at the Williamson County Expo Center.

John Kramer's 14-2 major decision over John Gaither at 220 was the Wildcats' only win.

Central advanced to the championship match with a 39-31 decision over Soddy-Daisy earlier in the day.

The Wildcats' Nick Insalaco won by pin in 1:47 at 126 pounds while Eddie Small prevailed 6-2 at 132, Austin Richard pinned Ethan Sherrill in 1:13 at 138, Jonathan Ward edged Hunter Maynor 16-14 at 160, Perry Baltz pinned Christian Dean in 4:56 at 195, Kramer won by forfeit, Lane Dickeson pinned Jacob McClure in 1:50 at 106 and Christian Cerrito edged Austin Houser 3-2 at 113.

Central whipped Bearden 75-3 and rolled past Ravenwood 49-20 in the first and second rounds Friday.

The Wildcats, as well as wrestlers from around the state, will return to region action later this week as they try to advance to the traditional individual State Tournament which gets underway at the Williamson Expo Center on Feb. 14.