The Dawson County High School wrestling team competed in the State Sectional Traditional Tournament at Dublin High School last Friday and Saturday.

Head Coach Arron Haynes’ team sent five wrestlers to the event. James Evans (112), Andrew Lovingood (135), Charlie Short (145), Preston Adams (152), and Tobie Lumpkin (189) fought hard against some of the best wrestlers in the state.

Two Tigers, Evans and Adams, qualified for the state tournament this Thursday through Saturday at the Gwinnett Arena. The top eight grapplers after last weekend’s event get into the state tournament.

Evans finished in fifth place, while his teammate Adams came in eighth place.

Both Evans and Adams wrestled in very tough weight classes.

Evans defeated Bryant Wilson, of East Laurens, in the opening round with a decision. He then won over Jordan White from Jeff Davis before losing to Josh Harris from Jefferson.

Harris eventually won the championship.

In the next round, Evans lost to Wilson from East Laurens in a decision. The match left him in fifth place and qualified in the state tournament. Wilson ended up finishing in fourth place.

Preston Adams defeated Matthew Powell from Toombs Central in the first round with a decision before losing in the second round.

Adams had to fight his way through the wrestle backs. He defeated Ian Holmes of North Oconee, and Johnny Morris of Jeff Davis High School, before losing and taking eighth place.

Adams story is amazing. The junior Tiger came in fifth place at Area and was supposed to be an alternate. He got into the tournament when a wrestler from another school couldn’t go because of a concussion. He is now headed to the state tournament.

Freshman Tiger Andrew Lovingood came away from sectionals with some valuable experience. He lost his opening round match to Josh Simms from Pike County before splitting the rest of the day with two wins and two losses.

Lovingood’s results were not good enough to take one of the eight state spots, but the experience will help him in his wrestling career, according to coaches.

Charlie Short also lost his opening round match but came back strong in the wrestle backs with three wins and a loss. Short will be an alternate for the state tournament.

He can get in, much like Adams, if any of the qualifying wrestlers can’t go this weekend.

Tiger Freshman Tobie Lumpkin also picked up valuable experience last weekend in Dublin. Lumpkin lost his first two matches before getting a win over Brian Cauley from Appling County.

Lumpkin finally bowed out of the tournament with a loss to Drew Hunter from East Jackson.

Wrestling will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Gwinnett Arena in Duluth.