By Donald Heath
Special for the Effingham Herald
Maybe it was called the “Knockout Christmas Classic” for a reason.
“This was a tough tournament, way tougher than last year. There was nowhere to run,” said South Effingham wrestling coach Christopher Bringer about having his team compete in the highly regarded two-day showcase of top high school wrestlers in Kissimmee, Florida, last weekend.
SEHS, a two-time defending state champion, placed 28th among the 62 teams spanning 10 states. Three undefeated Mustangs left Silver Spurs Arena with losses.
“It was like a state tournament atmosphere and that’s why we’ve gone down there over the years,” Bringer said. “Everyone wrestled someone who was better than them. It was about refocusing on what’s ahead. I think that’s the takeaway.”
South’s 15 boys and three girls won 23 matches overall. Brandon “Moose” Bringer, seeded seventh in the 157-pound weight class, advanced through the first round with a bye and then won two matches in the championship bracket before suffering his first loss and dropping a decision in the consolation bracket.
Moose Bringer broke the school record with his 199th win in a dual meet against Benedictine on Dec. 17 and registered his 200th win against Pierce County later in the evening.
He had a streak of winning by pin or technical fall against all 35 opponents this season before competing in Kissimmee.
“He was up 8-0 (in the consolation match), but (Moose said) he was gassed,” said Coach Bringer, stressing the importance of having matches that push wrestlers.
Previously undefeated Adam Hardeman (at 106) and Tahrik Bailey (at 113) each suffered their first losses, but both won three times to make deep runs in the consolation bracket.
Senior Emilio Santana, who advanced to the state finals last season, won three matches (at 126) as well but fell short of reaching the podium (to be honored as a top-six finisher).
Mayson Young (at 120), Alarik Gibson (at 132), Riley Atkins (at 150) and Kevin Steptoe (at 285) won two matches.
Brayden “Bear”Bringer (at 144), Bobby Craun (at 165), Zach Utnehmer (at 175) and Caysen Fisher (at 190) each recorded a victory.
Noah Knowlton (at 126) and freshmen Jeremiah Hobbs (at 138) and Karter Wilson (at 215) gained valuable experience in their two losses, Coach Bringer said.
South’s Brooklynn Hughes, Leann Hill and Emma Williams didn’t register a win in the girls tournament.
It was a busy week for Bringer, who made the trek to Atlanta to be honored as wrestling Coach of the Year on Dec. 16 during the Class 4A state football championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
South hasn’t been beaten in team competition in about two years. The trip to Florida only enhanced his optimism for the 2024-25 dual season.
“I feel good about this year too,” Bringer said. “I think the kids are ready to get back at it. It was important to see a tournament like this and go through that process.”
