Tyrance Ashmore (left) and Evan Harrison are the Tigers' leading wrestlers for the 2008-2009 season. The Washington-Wilkes wrestling team competed in the Area Dual tournament last weekend at Eagles Landing Christian Academy. The Tigers defeated Towns County 30- 29 before falling to Social Circle and St. Francis. W-W is a very young team this year, but participation is up and the Middle School has enjoyed a successful season.

Over the Christmas break the Tigers traveled to Treutlen High School to compete in the Viking Invitational Tournament. Evan Harrison went 6-1 to finish second at 140 lbs. and Tyance Ashmore went 6-1 to take third at 215 lbs. Other wrestlers with strong showings were David Martin at 152 lbs., Stacey Singletary at 171 lbs., and Casey Blackmon at 160 lbs.

W-W currently stands at 8-11 in dual meets this year, competing almost exclusively against AAA and AAAA competition. Ashmore leads the Tigers with a record of 31-4 with three top-four tournament places. Evan Harrison stands at 25-8, also with three places, and is approach- ing 100 wins for his career.

Other Tigers with winning records include 152-lb. freshman David Martin, 171-lb. senior Stacey Singletary, 145-lb. senior Justin Guin, and 285-lb. senior Brandon Howard. The remainder of the Tiger lineup is filled out with freshmen and sophomores who are gaining valuable experience for the future while getting some quality wins.

The W-WMS wrestlers concluded their season Tuesday, January 6, at home against Banks County and Greenbrier. The Middle School Tigers are 5-2 in dual meets. Dennis Hagan leads the Middle School with at 10-1 record.