Chris Congress And Gabe Hunt Extend Wrestling Talents To College- Sign Scholarships
Bob Jones wrestling head coach Matt Sweatman, center, recently hosted the scholarship signings of two of his superb wrestlers. Chris Congress, left, signed with Pratt Community College of Kansas, while Gabe Hunt signed with Kentucky Wesleyan. Photo- Tom Runnion, Bob Jones High
Bob Jones High School, FRONT PAGE FEATURED, Madison, Madison County Record, Schools, Sports, Z - News Main
 By  Bob Labbe Published 
5:23 pm Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Chris Congress And Gabe Hunt Extend Wrestling Talents To College- Sign Scholarships

MADISON- The Bob Jones wrestling program now has eight athletes in the last five years who have signed college scholarships to continue wrestling at the next level. Chris Congress and Gabe Hunt became the latest to sign their names for collegiate wrestling at a recent ceremony held at the school.

Congress, who posted a 51-9 record in the 160-pound division, signed with the Beavers of Pratt Community College located in Kansas, while Hunt, who was 51-10 last season in the 145-pound division, decided to wrestle in college at Kentucky Wesleyan, located in Owensboro, Ky. Both helped the Patriots to a 26-3 dual record and to the Class 7A quarterfinals in the 2019-2020 season.

“I’m very proud of the dedication and hard work these young men have put into their wrestling careers and very happy they have the chance to continue wrestling at the next level,” said Matthew Sweatman head coach of the Bob Jones program.

Both wrestlers began the sport as early teenagers. Hunt joined the Bob Jones program after the freshman season upon being asked to join by Sweatman while Hunt was playing football for the Pats. Congress, on the other hand, wrestled for two seasons at Bob Jones’ crosstown rival James Clemens before transferring to Bob Jones for his two final years of wrestling.

“After playing both football and baseball, I chose wrestling as the sport teaches you life lessons and pushes you to excel and do your best,” said Congress, son of Kendrick and Erica Congress. “There were a few times I wanted to quit as the sport is very stressful, especially in the area of cutting weight to make the weigh-ins. Each time Coach Sweatman talked to me and explained things to where I understood the challenges and remained with the team.”

For Hunt, he began wrestling while living in Georgia as he was playing football and running track. He wanted to be larger in size and gain muscles, so he chose the sport that would lead him to a college scholarship.

“I’m very aggressive and technical on the wrestling mat,” said Hunt, son of Andrew Hunt and Dana Wilson. “I’m very quick and love to use techniques I’ve learned and my strength as I’m more of an offensive style wrestler almost always making the first move, especially I like to run the legs in my moves.”

Hunt chose the NCAA Div. II Panthers over a few other schools as he said he connected with the fellow athletes and the coaching staff. He plans on studying criminal justice as his father is currently a detective in New York. Hunt has plans on possibly becoming a U.S. Navy Seal.

“I’ve always wanted to be the best at anything I’ve done,” said Hunt. “I couldn’t have done any of this without the Bob Jones wrestling program.”

Congress wants to learn a hands-on trade and will attend college to become a welder. He added, “I’ve always been a hands-on kid, love to fix things and I am a fast learner.” He chose the royal blue and white colors of Pratt CC over a couple other schools located in Idaho and Kansas. The NJCAA Div. I athletic program has a top-notch wrestling program with an experienced coaching staff.

As for his early stages of wrestling, Congress said, “In the seventh grade, I lost a bet to my best friend and doing so I had to try out for the local wrestling team. I liked it and stuck with it.”

The losing bet did pay off as he’s about to venture into college wrestling- a place he’s always dreamed about. “I owe all of this to the Bob Jones wrestling program,” he added. “We have great coaches and certainly one of the best programs in the state.”

Also on The Madison Record
Tri-agency traffic enforcement targets speeders on I-565
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By STAFF REPORTS 
July 16, 2025
MADISON  – In a united front to crack down on excessive speeding, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and t...
Local athletes set for North-South battles
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Bob Labbe 
July 16, 2025
MADISON - Some of the top rising senior high school athletes are about to invade the Alabama Capitol City of Montgomery July 21-25 for the 29th annual...
NASA, Orion to host Marshall’s 65th anniversary celebration this Saturday
A: Main, Events, Madison County Record, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
HUNTSVILLE - NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is inviting the community to help celebrate the center’s 65th anniversary during a free public event ...
Chamber needs nominations for ‘Military Family of the Year’
A: Main, Business, Events, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Madison Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to identify a family who has upheld a strong commitment to country and community. The c...
ADOC: Health care worker tried to smuggle meth, narcotics into correctional facility
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
LIMESTONE COUNTY - A health care employee was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to transport almost 200 grams of methamphetamine and other narc...
Central Office values Becky Tucker as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Becky Turner doesn’t get hung up on labels. No matter her job title, Tucker feels called to be a servant leader. Her colleagues at Central O...
Brett Burgess named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at James Clemens
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Brett Burgess wanted to work in Madison City Schools for association with the best in his field, both academic and coaching. James Clemens H...
Olivia Skillern named James Clemens theatre department’s artistic director
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – For Olivia Skillern, it’s ‘as if I never said goodbye’ (to quote a line from “Sunset Boulevard”). With her new job in the Theatre Department...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Latest E-edition
Latest Stories
YUM! Spicy yet savory poppers
MADISON - Your guests won’t be able to have just one of these sweet and savory poppers. With a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper, and sweetness fr...
July 16, 2025
poll