Wrestling: Bears head to region traditional

Burke County senior Josh Anderson gains the advantage over Freddy Tomes of Richmond Academy. Burke County High School’s wrestlers will try to make state for a second time this season.

The Bears (33-5) will compete this weekend against wrestlers from across Region 3-AAA for a shot at the next level as individuals.

The Bears made the state duals last month as a team for the first time in the history of Burke County’s program.

In high school wrestling, the wrestlers also compete later in the season for a chance to progress to state as individuals in their respective weight classes.

The region traditional tourna- ment will be hosted at West Laurens High School near Dublin on Friday and Saturday.

Bears head coach Johnny Castro said he feels like several of Burke County’s wrestlers are likely to make a good showing at region.

The Bears have plenty of momentum heading into the tournament. The team picked up several more wins last week at their only two home events of the season.

Last Tuesday, Burke County defeated Screven County 66-18, Lakeside 66-12 and Greenbrier 51-18. Greenbrier had been the only team in the Augusta area to beat the Bears previously.

On Friday, they took down Hephzibah 60-27, Glenn Hills 69-12, Richmond Academy 78- 6 and Hancock Central 72-12.