The Marshall County Wrestling Club (MCWC) was able to send twelve wrestlers to the TN AAU State Wrestling Tournament in their second season of competition, which was an improvement over last year's number of six wrestlers.

Eli Bell, Creek Anderson, Nick McClendon and Seth McCoy all finished in the Top Ten.

The two tournament standouts were McClendon earning seventh place and McCoy finishing fifth.

It was McCoy's second trip to the state tournament finishing with two top five finishes.

Together, these two wrestlers compiled 45 wins and 30 pins this season. The Duo also won 13 individual medals throughout the season, with McCoy winning seven and McClendon winning six.

Skills work

"The difference this year is that we are now getting to the point of our club's development where we can start to focus on advancing our wrestlers' skills. So much of wrestling is the fundamentals. You can know every move out there, but if you don't understand the process and movements of wrestling, you haven't got much," said club founder Chris Posey. "Like other sports, to be successful in wrestling it takes time, effort, and commitment. Practicing in the off-season and regular attendance during the season is how our wrestlers are learning and developing these skills early and it shows. Watching these young wrestlers advance their skills is what makes it exciting when looking forward to next season."

As the sport of wrestling is growing and becoming more competitive in TN, the MCWC is growing too as the club gained access to an additional workout mat which will provide more space for wrestlers to practice. This also will allow the club to move to the next phase of development by adding a competitive 6, 7, and 8 grade teams.

Looking ahead

This team will compete against other schools and club teams in order to help the athletes get ready for high school and collegiate wrestling.

"Another positive for the young club has been our coordination and relationship with the High School program, which helps expose more young men to the sport and expose the community to the sport of wrestling," said Posey. "Coach (Kyle) Stacey and his staff have done a great job with Forrest wrestling and have been able to take that team to a high level in a short time. I believe the continued coordination of all levels of wrestling within this community will help each team produce some of the best wrestlers in the state," said Posey.

Giving back

The MCWC ends its season every year by giving back. Throughout the year, the MCWC engages in events and efforts to support charitable organizations like Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. "We have been so greatly blessed to have the wrestling program grow and to be able to give back. Horton Haven Christian Camp helped us get our start by letting us use their new gymnasium to practice," said Posey. "It has been a key to our success to use that space and have that kind of stability. Our last task of the season is to help Horton Haven get ready for their camp season by assisting them in preparing the grounds and facilities. The event shows our wrestlers that it's important give back and to support your community."