Summit has never had a boys state wrestling champion.
The Spartans could have two by nightfall Saturday.
Sophomore 120-pounder Jarvis LIttle and junior 145-pounder Finley Jameson both clinched spots in the Class AA state tournament finals with victories in Friday’s semifinal round and will be among five area athletes vying for state titles beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Williamson County Ag Expo in Franklin.
Joining them in championship action are independence’s Russell Ford at 113 pounds and a trio of girls competitors – Indy’s Rylee Lent at 100 pounds and teammate Brooklyn Long, who will face Summit’s Emma Stephenson for the 138-pound title.
“It’s the state tournament. Anything can happen,” Summit coach Pete Miller said after seven of his wrestlers qualified for the medal rounds. “Underdogs can achieve anything. Favorites can get upset. You’ve got to wrestle.”
Along with Summit’s finalists, Landon Desselle (132) and Ryan Smith (285) will vie for third place, while Luke Justice (182) and Rylee Bennett (girls 126) will go for fifth.
“I had expected seven, and that’s what we got,” Miller said. “We got our first male finalists, so we broke that curse. This was a good day for the Summit wrestling family. I’m excited for our program.”
In addition to Ford, Lent and Long, Independence’s Spencer Kon will wrestle in the Class AA 138-pound third-place match Saturday.
“I’m ecstatic with how we performed,” first-year coach A.J. Villareal said. “I think all of them can win (Saturday). I think we’ve got a shot to walk out of here with three state champions.”
In Class A, Lawrence County 195-pounder Samuel Bradley dropped a 7-2 decision to David Crockett’s Gabe Ferrell in the consolation semifinals. Bradley will wrestle Eagleville’s Matthew Garber for fifth place.
Earlier on Friday, Columbia Central juniors Brianna Gayton and Madison McDowell and Spring Hill’s Vanessa Henkel were eliminated with consolation losses after suffering Thursday defeats.
“They needed to see this,” Central first-year coach Michael Conner said. “They’ll be back next year, ready to roll. I just wanted them to get the experience. You won’t forget it. It’ll motivate you for next year.
“They’re going to get medals next year.”
“I’m motivated to actually place next year, to go back to my teammates and share this experience with them and help them get better,” said Gayton, who split four matches in the 145-pound weight class over two days.
“I’m proud of myself for making it this far. But I’m disappointed. I was ranked through the season, and to not get a medal is heartbreaking.”
McDowell, who wrestled at 235, lost to 2021 state titlist Justina Nikolao of Rossview in her final match.
“I’m a little upset that I didn’t place, … I’m excited to get back in the weight room and do it all over again. I feel pumped up for next year.”
Third- and fifth-place matches will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, with the championship finals scheduled for 2 p.m.
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