The North Forsyth wrestling team fell short of its goal in the AAAAAA State Duals Tournament, placing fourth on Saturday after falling to Collins Hill in the consolation final. This year’s performance was an improvement from 2012-13, when the Raiders finished seventh overall. After beating Marietta (42-18) and Grayson (39-26, 38-28), the Raiders were eliminated by Camden Co. (45-16) in the semi-final round. Collins Hills would then top North in the consolation final, 42-24. Archer emerged as the champion, taking down Camden Co. 42-15 in the championship bout. "We are disappointed in finishing fourth," said North head coach Travis Jarrard. "We thought we could have gotten higher, but couldn’t pull it together against Collins Hill in the consolation final." Austin Thornton, Chase Tenety and Zach Smith had strong showings this weekend, going 5-0, 4-1 and 3-1, respectively. Jarrard believes the Raiders lacked the intensity and urgency necessary to win State Duals, but they will have a chance to redeem themselves. The Raiders now look ahead to the Area 6-AAAAAA Traditional Tournament, which will be held on Jan. 31. That gives them several weeks to prepare With duals in the rearview mirror, North will alter its routine to prepare for individual competition. There will be a greater focus on one-on-one drills and workouts that are designed specifically to increase the conditioning level of the starters at each weight class. Jarrard expects the Raiders to give Chattahoochee a run for the area championship and have several state placers.
The North Forsyth wrestling team fell short of its goal in the AAAAAA State Duals Tournament, placing fourth on Saturday after falling to Collins Hill in the consolation final. This year’s performance was an improvement from 2012-13, when the Raiders finished seventh overall. After beating Marietta (42-18) and Grayson (39-26, 38-28), the Raiders were eliminated by Camden Co. (45-16) in the semi-final round. Collins Hills would then top North in the consolation final, 42-24. Archer emerged as the champion, taking down Camden Co. 42-15 in the championship bout. "We are disappointed in finishing fourth," said North head coach Travis Jarrard. "We thought we could have gotten higher, but couldn’t pull it together against Collins Hill in the consolation final." Austin Thornton, Chase Tenety and Zach Smith had strong showings this weekend, going 5-0, 4-1 and 3-1, respectively. Jarrard believes the Raiders lacked the intensity and urgency necessary to win State Duals, but they will have a chance to redeem themselves. The Raiders now look ahead to the Area 6-AAAAAA Traditional Tournament, which will be held on Jan. 31. That gives them several weeks to prepare With duals in the rearview mirror, North will alter its routine to prepare for individual competition. There will be a greater focus on one-on-one drills and workouts that are designed specifically to increase the conditioning level of the starters at each weight class. Jarrard expects the Raiders to give Chattahoochee a run for the area championship and have several state placers.