It was a record-setting season for the Elizabethton program in 2017-18 and the Cyclones grapplers are still rolling right along.

“We are definitely on pace to keep the momentum from last year going,” said EHS co-head coach Eddie Morrell.

At this point in the 2018-19 season, the boys’ team is boasting a 6-2 record with wins over Sullivan East, Volunteer, Sullivan South, Daniel Boone, John Battle, and Virginia High. The Cyclones only losses have come to David Crockett and Dobyns Bennett with both of those matches being narrowly dropped. Elizabethton fell to DB 44-35 and David Crockett 42-40.

“We are falling into our groove,” said Elizabethton co-head coach Tavis Pennell. “Weights have fallen where we need them. We are about to a full lineup minus the 220 positions. Our guys are healthy. Even our new guys are competing at a level that we weren’t expecting. We are pretty proud with what we have so far.”

Individually, the Cyclones have plenty of top performers. At 113 pounds, Hunter Morrell is boasting a 10-3 record while Joseph Kechter holds a 10-3 tally in the 285-pound division. Chris Taylor and Johnathan “Deuce” Morton both have 8-2 records in the 182 and 195 divisions, respectively. Other contributors are Holden Roaten (103 pounds, 8-3), Isiah King (120 pounds, 5-2), Logan Watson (120 pounds, 6-2), Darris Reece (126 pounds, 3-2), Andrew Fontanez (132 pounds, 8-3), Cory Lawson (138 pounds, 5-5), Heath Owens (138 pounds, 2-2), Nathaniel Shepard (145 pounds, 5-6). Kilroy Hill is listed but hasn’t competed in any matches so far this season. In junior varsity, Jonah Greene (JV, 138 pounds, 6-6), Bryson Davis (138 pounds, 1-2),    Samuel Fletcher (160 pounds, 0-9) Yordi Mende (182 pounds, 2-2) have all seen action on the mat.

When putting together this season’s schedule, the Cyclones wanted to make sure to include competition that would test them every time they touched the mat.

“We wanted people that could beat us if we were not on our game,” said Morrell. “You know, we may not carry as braggadocious of a record as we did last year, but what we have done is started to manufacture better wrestlers and more consistent wrestlers.”

On the girls’ side of the mat, Elizabethton has three grapplers. Performing at the top of the list is sophomore Tyesha Thomas who holds a 4-0 record at the 125-pound division. At 160, Sophia Perry is 3-1. Returning state champion, ShaMia Wells, a junior, is currently working to rehabilitate an injury.

This weekend, the Cyclones will be hosting their annual John Klock Tournament in honor of legendary Elizabethton wrestling coach, the late John Klock. Action will start at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. This year, the tournament will feature all in-state teams while including some girls’ competition.

Tonight, the Cyclones will host the Carson Duals starting at 6 p.m. The duals will feature teams that will compete in the John Klock Tournament.