On February 1, the Trojans traveled to Social Circle High School for the Area 4 tournament. The boys’ team secured a 5th-place finish. Six wrestlers earned automatic bids to sectionals. Three others qualified as alternates. Head coach Hunter Hardin praised his team’s resilience and work ethic.
“I thought our wrestlers really took a step in the right direction. We push all our wrestlers to wrestle a full ‘six minutes’ and to win every position,” Hardin said. “Even in losses, our guys showed grit and effort that we haven’t seen in other parts of the season.”
Great Performances at Area Tournament
Senior Gary “Trace” Morton won his third consecutive area championship in the 285-pound weight class while also earning his 100th career victory. Morton finished second in the state a year ago.
Freshman Carson Howell (175) also finished fourth. Coming in as the 8th seed, Howell rebounded after losing in the first round with a series of bonus-point victories to reach the placing rounds.
Lamar County Placers at Area 4
- Gary Morton – Champion (285)
- Robert Erickson – 2nd place (126)
- Makai Lasster – 2nd place (190)
- Carson Howell – 4th place (175)
- Jordan Anderson – 4th place (132)
- Dusty Hanson – 4th place (165)
Alternates
- Robert Brooks – 5th place
- Will Caldwell – 6th place
- Jo’Quan Woodward – 5th place
Lily Watson placed 4th in the tournament and advanced to girls’ sectionals.
Two Emerge at Sectionals
On February 8, the Trojans returned to Social Circle for sectionals, where five wrestlers competed for a spot at state. Morton and Erickson both advanced, with Morton finishing 4th and Erickson placing 6th in their respective weight classes.
State Championships Today
Today, Morton and Erickson prepare to compete in the GHSA 1A State Championships at the Macon Coliseum. Wrestling begins at 9 a.m. this morning. Tickets are available on GoFan.
Morton looks to conclude his stellar high school career with a state championship ring. Erickson will also attempt to make his mark on the big stage.
All of Lamar County is wishing good luck to these young men on the mat today!
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
