The Dawson County Middle School wrestling team won the Appalachian League Individual Tournament on Dec. 20.

The Tigers defeated Lumpkin County 93-45 and Pickens County 93-43 to win the competition.

Thirteen of 19 wrestlers won top three honors.

Taking a first place medal were: Mason Askew, Wyatt Smith, Shawn Thomas, Chandler Wood, Ethan Smith and Levi Baggett.

Finishing in second place were: Ben McGinnis, Kelton LeBaron and Christian Summers.

Third place honors went to: Christian Harper, Wyatt Hayes, Jack Cupp and Robbie Rarick.

"We were several wrestlers down due to a variety of events, but we still came out with a dominate win," said Assistant Coach Christopher Doerrer.

The Tigers traveled to Banks County on Dec. 16 for a tri-meet with Banks County and Habersham Central. Joining the young Tigers was the varsity team from the high school.

By agreement of all coaches no overall team scores were kept in the contest.

Dawson County won 10 of 17 matches against Habersham Central.

Winning by way of pin were Jake Yother, Askew, LeBaron, Rarick, Wyatt Hayes and Cupp.

Kevin Arias picked up a technical fall and Andrew Menoche won his match in overtime.

Against Banks County the Tigers won 15 of their 18 matches.

Eleven Tigers won by way of pin, which included DJ Mithell, Wyatt Smith, Arias, Caleb Carter, Yother, Wood, McGinnis, Baggett, Smith, Rarick and Summers.

Winning by a technical fall was Askew.

"This was a great opportunity for our middle school athletes and parents to see what the high school does. We had a lot of fun watching," said Head Coach Thomy Edwards.