By Donald Heath
Special for the Effingham Herald
GUYTON – There’s still evaluating going on as the 2024-25 dual wrestling season approaches one month old this week.
South Effingham coach Christopher Bringer thought his 113-pound freshman Tahrik Bailey was going to be pretty good.
Bringer now wants to change that assessment.
“He’s been better than good at this point. He’s tough,” said Bringer at the SoHam Turkey Duals on Wednesday.
Bailey entered the two-day tournament at 11-0 and remained without a blemish despite Bringer bumping him up a weight class for increased competition.
In his best showing to date, Bailey dominated a state placer from last season, Bringer said.
And the two-time state champion Mustangs continued to dominate team competition while posting a 10-0 record, including wins over highly regarded Crestview and Harlem during the Turkey Duals.
Effingham County was among 13 teams competing during the two days. The Rebels won four times in nine matches.
After lunch on Wednesday, South feasted on Pierce County 72-12 and Charlton County 84-0.
Bringer said Bailey’s performance wasn’t the only surprise of the round-robin tourney. Noah Knowlton, who did not wrestle on varsity last season, registered nine wins and raised his record to 20-2 in the 126-pound weight class.
Senior veterans Brandon “Moose” Bringer and Emilio Santana remained undefeated.
Moose Bringer, who entered the Turkey Duals 13-0 in the 165-pound weight class, has defeated every opponent by technical fall (a match stopped after posting a 15-point lead) or by pin.
Coach Bringer said his four girls – Brooklynn Hughes, Leann Hill, Emma Williams and Morgan Hetzel – continue to show progress despite having limited practice time because they play other sports.
“All four are really tough, really athletic and excited to compete, but they still have a lot to learn,” Bringer said. “I think when it’s all said and done they’re going to be very, very good. A year from now, I think they’re going to be among the best in the state.”
Effingham County coach Isiah Royal also saw progress in his young team at the Turkey Duals. Jayden Marzett and Kevin Poythress returned to the lineup just a week after the football state playoffs ended for the Rebels.
Poythress was sixth in the 150-pound weight class at state last season.
In an exciting match against Pierce County, Aiden Gilkey showed determination, a trait typical of what Royal is seeing from many of the Rebels.
Gilkey trailed 7-0 early in the match, but came back to record a pin.
“He’s going to be a good wrestler. He has the heart of a champion,” said Royal, who should know about a champion’s heart after winning three state titles during his high school career at ECHS before winning a Division II national championship at Newberry.
“We’re young right now but that’s one thing these guys do, that’s fight. They work hard and, like the judges were telling me, eventually it will click.”
