Sixty-two teams, including Buford, competed in the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association Holiday Wrestling Tournament in Vandalia, Ohio Dec. 27-28, 2024. The Wolves ended the tournament with five individual champions and several others placed during the event.
The GMVWA Holiday Wrestling Tournament has consistently given the Wolves a place to test their wrestlers against a high level of competition as they continue to prepare for the GHSA Team Duals Wrestling State Championships later this month and eventually the GHSA Traditional Wrestling State Championships in February.
Buford came away with nine wrestlers placing 7th or better in the tournament with five being individual champions.
In the 106-pound weight class, Cooper McArthur took the championship with an 18-6 decision over Baden Root of Graham Local.
D.J. Clarke defeated Blaine Demarco of Graham Local in the 132-pound weight class by an 18-7 decision.
Buford also took first place in the 138-pound weight class when Kieron McCormack pinned Edward Kesson of Del St. John’s.
In the 144-pound weight class, Drew Gorman took first place with a technical fall over Kaygen Roberts of Boyle County.
The last of the five individual champions came in the 190-pound weight class when Conor McCloskey won by a 13-9 decision over Chett Mannier of Graham Local.
Albert Butler (250) finished in second place, Trey Gregory (150) had a fifth-place finish, Jack Gea (215) was in sixth place and Chris Metz (113) finished in seventh place at the GMVWA Holiday Wrestling Tournament.
Buford is back home and turning their attention towards its next tournament, the Georgia Grappler Duals on Friday, Jan. 3 in Social Circle.
