By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sports Editor

Starr's Mill High School's wrestlers continued their winning pace over the weekend as they hosted the Starr's Mill Invitational and won it all.

Fourteen schools entered the two-day tournament, taking on several tough programs, including the South Metro Invitational champions, the Starr's Mill Panthers.

The Panthers finished in first place overall with 247.5 points. Rockmart High School, a AA school, finished in second place. Starr's Mill had five first place finishers, five second place finishers, one third place finisher and one fourth place finisher.

Gary James (103), Jason Kiefer (130), Ariston Bowers (140), Christopher Coleman (145), and Drew Cofty (152) all finished in first place. Kiefer defeated last year's AA state runner up, Brett Hayes of Rockmart.

Danny Davidson (135), Matt Fuhrman (160), Rusty Lyle (171), Stephen Behringer (189), and Tony Tofanelli (215) all placed second. Scott Hartpence (125) finished in third and Kevin Trickey (112) finished in fourth.

“We've been going at it pretty hard recently,” said Coach Mickey Statham. “It's time for a break, both mentally and physically.” The Panthers get some rest now. They will return to action Thursday, Dec. 30 when they compete in the St. Pius Duals.

“We should also get Clint Barbour back after Christmas. We're not banged up too bad, but the rest is very important right now.”

It would be a big wrestling weekend for the other local schools as well. Sandy Creek, Fayette County and McIntosh wrestled over the weekend and are participating in the McIntosh Christmas Classic this week.

Fayette County wrestled in the Brookwood tournament last Friday and Saturday. The team was missing five starters, one to weight and four to minor injuries. Despite the obvious setback, the Tigers tied for sixth place overall, finishing two points out of fourth place, and had five wrestlers place in the tournament.

“The best thing about the Brookwood tournament is that it is a physical meet,” Coach Jim Bailey said. “It's important for our wrestlers to see some different styles.”

Jarrod Bailey took first place at 135, while Nick Salters and Landon Anderson both finished in second place at 160 and 215 respectively. Zach Nelson and Brad West each finished in third place at 125 and 140 respectively.

“We would have had a chance at winning the whole thing with our entire team,” said Bailey. “The five wrestlers that didn't wrestle most likely would have placed.”

The Tigers will get back one wrestler this week for the McIntosh tournament but the other four will likely be out until after Christmas.

McIntosh brought seven wrestlers to the McCallie Invitational in Chattanooga, Tenn., and finished 12th out of 25 teams. The Chiefs produced three placers in the tournament, including one tournament champion, Eddie Smith. Smith (130) beat two-time state placer Michael Powell to remain undefeated on the season. Smith's brother, Ricky, finished in second place at 112, while Michael Lee finished in sixth place at 160.

It was a long weekend for the Chiefs and their coach, Marty Hutsell. Upon returning to Peachtree City, the team had to begin preparations for their Christmas Classic. The tournament stretches over two days and includes 37 teams. When the tournament began seven years ago, only 16 teams attended.

If you consider yourself a good wrestling school with state caliber wrestlers, it is now almost a necessity to attend. The action begins around 8:30 a.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday. Some of the schools attending this year are Troup County, Harrison and Morgan County.

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