Rider Sneed (center), a member of the Cherokee Middle School wrestling team, took first place in the 7th grade 220lb division at the Middle School state championship meet in Winston-Salem on Feb. 6-7. (Photo courtesy of Anthony Swearengin)
WINSTON-SALEM – The Cherokee Middle School wrestling team traveled to Winston-Salem for the Middle School state championship meet on Feb. 6-7, and three Braves placed in their division. Rider Sneed took first place in the 7th grade 220lb division, Darius Bigwitch took fourth in the 6th grade division and Xander Brady took third place in the 8th grade 184lb division.
Sneed pinned Ismael Hdabe and Mathew Ballew to win his championship. Brady pinned Axel Cruz, Dillan Higgins, Cameron Blizard, Sam Purcell, and Jesse Sutphin and lost a 1-0 decision to Jesse Sutphin. Bigtwitch pinned Keagan Church and was pinned by Jaron Greer.
Other Braves results are as follows:
- Dakota Siweuptua, 6th grade, 1-2
- Braden Taylor, 6th grade, 1-2
- Tino Pete, 7th grade 108lb, 0-2
- Jaden Welch, 7th grade, 115lb, 0-2
- Caden Pheasant, 7th grade, 122lb, 0-2
- Joshua Driver, 8th grade, 252lb, 0-2
- Julian Rubio, 8th grade, 252lb, 1-2
Sneed also won the division at the recent Smoky Mountain Conference middle school tournament held at Murphy. Brady also won his division at the SMC tournament along with Tino Pete who took first in the 98lb division. Jaden Welch took second at the SMC tournament in the 113lb division.
– One Feather staff report
