In the 2022-2023 school year, the CCCHS wrestling team had a very successful season. In fact, it had its best year to date. Both the girls and boys team had great seasons resulting in four wrestlers advancing to the state tournament.  

 Three boys, Blayne Myers, Jacob Barlow, and Ian Walker, all made it to state.  One Lady Raider, Jade Lenhart, also qualified to compete in the state tournament. Myers went on to place fourth in the state. Barlow placed sixth in his weight category and Lenhart placed sixth in the state. This is the most state placers we’ve had in the history of Coffee County Wrestling. 

During the regular season, the boys team had a dual record of 13 wins to 10 losses. The girls had a dual record of zero wins to three losses, but had many individual match wins! Along with these individual wins, the girls team made some history, they had their first ever dual meet against cross town rival Tullahoma. 

Raider and Lady Raider wrestling Coach Roger Barlow said the teams faced many challenges this season: “Our normal practice and competition facility is Coffee County Raider Academy. In October of last year, just before the season was to start, a storm damaged the roof of the gym forcing the team out of that area.”

The team practiced at the Coffee County Fair Grounds and held competitions at Coffee County Middle School.

Barlow commented, “All of this was at the same time as the normal injuries and other issues that normally come with a wrestling season. Some injuries early in the season kept us from filling all of our weight classes, and then a couple of terribly timed injuries near the end of the season kept a couple of our wrestlers from fulfilling their full potential.”

Barlow also said “I want to make it clear how appreciative we are of everyone involved in helping get the wrestling team through this tough time….All in all, I am extremely proud of the way that our team members were able to adapt and thrive under more than trying circumstances.” 

While the wrestlers learned a lot on the mat and showed their immense talent, these wrestlers have made Coffee County proud, and hope to once again make history next season!