Wrestlers win state championship

The matmen of Banks County High School have achieved the highest honor and log into the record book as the first team of any athletic sport in the Banks County High School history to bring home a state championship.

The Leopards traveled to Macon on January 10-12 to compete for the title. The team had beaten all but one team all season long and that was AAAAA Pope High School. Pope was ranked nationally when the loss happened at Collins Hill.
The Leopards easily defeated Pierce County in round one of the match 67-6 to advance against Sonoraville. BCHS fought a hard battle and defeated the Firebirds 44-24.

The Leopards winning round two would get a chance to rest overnight and return for the championship round against Woodward. BCHS would get several pins before falling behind near the end of the match. Matthew Dilbeck took to the mat and pinned the last opponent for the win and the state championship 34 -33.

The Leopards were greeted Saturday night by a enthusiastic crowd for their achievement this season. Everyone made the team feel like the hometown heroes they have become.

The timing of the championship is right in line with the Leopards celebration of Senior Night Tuesday, January 22. The Leopards will also be preparing for the Area 7-AAA Tournament, AAA East Sectional and the State Traditional Tournaments in February.