Tyson Gilland and Daniel Damonico battled it out in the final match of the state wrestling tournament last weekend. Tyson Gilland captured state runner-up honors to finish his senior season with a 71-1 record and a career total of 215 wins. Both of those marks are Washington- Wilkes Comprehensive High School wrestling records. As a result of his outstanding career, Gilland is being recruited by several schools and will next compete in the Virginia Beach Nationals in March.

At the Gwinnett Arena last weekend, Gilland opened the tournament with a pin over Jarrett Grey of Heard County. In the quarterfinals, he defeated Jimmy Spearman of Decatur, 9-3, then pinned Luis Verduzco of East Jackson to advance to the finals.

In the finals, Gilland faced Daniel Damonico of Lovett. Damonico came in with only one loss, that being to the eventual AAAA State Champion. In a hard fought match Damonico came away with a 6-4 decision.

Ryen Scarboro wrestled two tough matches in the 103-lb. class before bowing out. Scarboro finished the year with a solid 29-17 record.

In the 119-lb. class, John Lovvorn was unable to compete due to a staph infection. Lovvorn ended his year at 58-8 and his career with 180 wins, both second all-time records at WWCHS. He will continue wrestling next year at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Other wrestlers also enjoyed strong years for the Tigers. Senior Josh Cosby ended the year 47-16 with 105 career wins. Josh will move on to Georgia Tech next year. Returning wrestlers for 2008-09 include Evan Harrison (34-21), Rob Lovvorn (34-25), Brandon Howard, Justin Guin, and Josh McTier who each finished with more than 20 wins.