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With George Rogers Clark High School’s wrestling program in its third year of existence, the future appears bright. 

Both the Robert D. Campbell Junior High School and Winchester Wrestling Club fared well at the recent Kentucky Wrestling Middle School and Youth State Championships at Freedom Hall in Louisville. 

Among many bright spots, two state championships were obtained by members of the Winchester Wrestling Club. 

Specifically, during a long opening day of the Kentucky Wrestling Youth State Championships that featured a large, 30-man bracket, the 8U – or 8 & Under Division – showcased WWC taking home its first state championship with Sammy Grant winning the 70-lb. title. He pinned his opponent in the finals following a close 4-2 semifinal victory. 

Adding to the success of the 8U Division, 63-lb. competitor Euin Catron made his way to the finals by pinfall, finishing an excellent performance as state runner-up. 

During day two, accolades continued. 

In the 6U Division, 55-lb. athlete Henry Morris was crowned state champion by pinfall, with Wilder Sheshull finishing in 4th place. 

Despite having fewer competitors than numerous other teams, the WWC finished 7th out of 94 teams present. 

Additional state qualifiers were Walt Catron, Rylie Hobeika, Bohdi Sheshull, Declan Fletcher, Gus Bohnen, Wyatt Whisman, Riley Whisman, Gunner Couch, Beau Grant, Kendrick Gashel, Liam Whisman, Jacob Drug, Cole McDaniel, and James McDaniel. 

In the Kentucky Middle School Wrestling State Championship, athletes from Robert D. Campbell Junior High School also excelled. 

Eighth graders Gavin Clem and Sam Allen competed after previously placing in the top 5 of the Region 4 Tournament at Scott County Middle School. 

At 108-lbs., Clem lost a hard-fought first round match before coming back and winning four consecutive matches in the consolation bracket. He ended up finishing the tournament at 4-2, and will next be preparing for the Region 6 Tournament. 

Allen, who stands at 165-lbs., qualified for the state tournament in just his first year of competition. Allen finished 1-2 on the day, gaining valuable experience that will serve him well while also competing for George Rogers Clark High School’s wrestling team and preparing for Regionals. 

Fellow student athletes from RDC included Coltin Duncan, Grayson Grout, Isaiah Cook, Danica Patrick, Boone Leslie, Hunter Deaton, James McDaniel, Keegan Fitzpatrick, and Kendrick Gashel.