One of the most prestigious wrestling tournaments in Georgia will begin later this week at the Ford E. Phillips Center at Dawson County High School.

The Amicalola Wrestling Classic will be held for the 27th year at Dawson County High on Thursday and Friday and will include several top teams.

Included in this year’s lineup of teams will by Cherokee, Clarkston, St. Francis, Fannin, Chattooga, Gilmer, Towns County, Commerce and Dawson County.

On Thursday, matches will be held in a dual-type style and will begin at 9 a.m.

Friday’s action will switch over to a single elimination until the wrestlers reach the semi-final round. Matches on Friday will begin at 9 a.m.

There will be 14 different weight classes, ranging from 103 pounds through to the heavyweights at 285 pounds.

The tournament was founded by William Howington 27 years ago and is one of the oldest in Georgia. The tournament is full of tradition, and this year’s field will be tough.

This year the Tigers will be able to fill every weight class, which will give them much needed points throughout the tournament.

Expected to fill the weight classes are: Anthony Underwood (103); Drew Thomason or Matthew Seabolt (112); James Evans (119); Timothy Blythe (125); Casey McGinnis (130); David Wood (135); Andrew Hinton or James Evans (140); Anthony Underwood (145); Andrew Lovingood or Preston Adams (152); Kyle Maciolek or Preston Adams (160); Evan Kells or Joseph Toals (171); Danny Maciolek, Josh Gee or Colton Chester (189); Tobie Lumpkin (215); and Jazil Bustamante (285).

It should be an exciting tournament, according to head coach Arron Haynes.

Haynes would like to encourage residents to come out and support the local high school wrestling team.