Bob Jones wrestling team set to host tournament
Bob Jones wrestling coach Jason Edwards
The Bob Jones varsity wrestling team will host the Dick Clem Invitational at the main gym on Monday, January 21st, a school holiday. Ten teams will compete including defending champion, Vestavia Hills.
Coach Jason Edwards said that the team has responded well to a tough schedule in the first half of the season. Heading into the Clem Invitational, the team has nine wrestlers with over 20 wins.
“The Dick Clem signifies a point in the season where it is time to get in championship mode,” Edwards said. “We’re in the second half of the season and heading toward trying to win a section championship and compete for state championships both as a team and individually.”
“This team has real good chemistry and that is what I like about them. We don’t have anybody with a superstar mentality,” Edwards said.
The team has traveled to two out-of-state tournaments in an effort to compete against top competition. The Patriots have claimed two tournament championships and a runner-up.
“The tournaments we have been to have been good competition. We’ve seen state championship teams from five states. It’s been a grind but these kids have been great,” said Edwards who is in his twelfth season at the helm.
Last season, 11 Bob Jones wrestlers qualified for the state tournament. Ryan Stenger, now at James Clemens, made it to the championship round. Austin Clark is also at James Clemens.
This year, Bob Jones competes in class 6A, Section 4 and the qualifying tournament will be held at Grissom on February 8-9.
The team has 51 members and several wrestlers have championship potential this season.
Melvin Gibbons is a junior who leads the team with a 29-3 record.
Jesse Webster (27-5), Micah Hatley (29-4), and Blake Rogers (27-13) are all seniors and state tournament veterans.
Starters on the current team include freshman Griffin Ridgeway (27-10) and sophomore Collin Oliver (24-13), both went to state last year.
Senior Chris Gomes (25-17) and junior Levi Hickson (24-13) are starters that have come on strong this season.
The state tournament will be at Propst Arena at the Von Braun Center on February 14-16.
