The McIntosh Chiefs Wrestling Team opened the season strongly with a fifth place finish at the 16 team South Gwinnett Comet Classic. The team had wins against Mt. Zion (72 – 9), Berkmar (78 – 6) and Starr’s Mill (65 – 18) while suffering losses against Grayson, Eastside and Norcross.

Coach Nick Bellantoni was pleased with the showing.

“I am happy with our performance at the tournament but we clearly have skills we need to work on. We had a strong showing with some quality wins but we came up a bit short against some very strong teams,” he said. “This tournament provided us with an early season test to help us understand our strengths while showing us the areas where we need improve.”

The team was paced by Richard Hughes with six wins (three pins and two technical falls), Carl Scheumann five wins (four pins, one tech) and Matt Carroll five wins (three pins). Also having a strong tournament were Matt Bozone four wins (all pins), Landis Ford four wins (all pins), Jessy Toscano four wins (three pins), and Matt Penn four wins (three pins).

Team members with three wins each were Scott Ritter – two pins, Jim Murrell (freshman) all by pin, and Erik Willanzheimer – two pins.

Jeff Hilt, Alan Sarvis, Brett Buehler, David Rogers, Jonathan Smith and Jimmy Nash also contributed to the Chief’s success.

The team was led by captains Penn, a senior, and Carroll, a sophomore.

The Chiefs are in action next on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. in the McIntosh Gym against Cross Keys, Columbia and Our Lady of Mercy with both the varsity and JV teams competing.

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