Harlan County High School Black Bear Wrestlers Jason Maggard and Ethan Williams have advanced to the state after their performance at the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Region 7 Tournament on Saturday at the Corbin Arena.
Jason, a junior, placed third. This is Jason’s second year in a row qualifying for state. He wrestles in the 113-pound weight class.
Ethan, a senior, competes in the 215-pound weight class.
Coach Blake Johnson said, “This has been a tough season to say the least, but these guys have worked hard all year through sickness, injury, blizzards, and flooding to prove themselves to be among the toughest around.”
“These young men set out at 6 a.m., and dug in for an all-day event hoping to earn their spot at state in a very tough region. They did not disappoint,” said Johnson.
“All of our Black Bears fought hard, through wins and losses, and I couldn’t be prouder of each of them,” exclaimed Johnson. “When the dust settled, there were three place winners.”
Johnson said Josh Stewart, a junior, fought hard to a sixth-place finish in the 175-pound division.
Jason Maggard, a junior, placed third in the 113-pound division.
Ethan Williams, a senior, placed fourth in the 215-pound.
The top four finishes earned each of them a spot at the state tournament next week in Lexington.
They will also be joined at the state championships by Gracie Roberts, a freshman, who will represent the HC Lady Bears Wrestling in the 100-pound division.
Assistant HC Wrestling Coach Emily Bryant said, “This is my second year of being fortunate enough to assist this team and witness these athletes demonstrate their persistent dedication and hard work throughout the season.”
“As Coach Blake mentioned, our athletes have encountered numerous challenges this season, and I am filled with pride for each and every one of them for persevering despite these obstacles.,” she said.
Bryant noted that “The popularity of this sport is rapidly growing in our region, and I am hopeful that the success of our athletes will inspire others to join our team. Please extend your best wishes to our athletes as they embark on their journey to Lexington on Wednesday, where they will cap their week in pursuit of a state title.”