Larry Griffin
lgriffin@thesmokymountaintimes.com
The Swain County High School wrestling team had a great weekend, according to coach Adam Jaimez, with numerous wrestlers finishing in first. The team as a whole placed second in the 2023 Smoky Mountain Conference held in Robbinsville.
Maroon Devils finishing first included Owen Craig (138), Gabe Lillard (160), Darius Saunooke (195) and Tyce Neadeau (Hwt).
Neadeau was also named the MOW of the tournament and co-SMC wrestler of the year, alongside Kage Williams from Robbinsville.
“This was great news and well-earned as well,” Jaimez said. “It's great to have others see the hard work this young man has into his dream of becoming a State Champion. There are no more free weekends after this past one, the rest will have to be earned from here on out.”
The team hosted the third and fourth rounds at Swain County High on Wednesday (after press time), with matches between Swain and Robbinsville and Avery and Mt. Airy.
In further developments, the Swain County team beat South Stokes in the NCHSAA 1A Dual Team match, the final score coming out to 60-12. They also beat Cherryville in the second round with a 51-22 score.
Lady Devils
In addition, the Lady Devils wrestling team did well at the NCHSAA Women’s West Regional held in West Henderson, with Tasia Neadeau winning regional champion – a first for the team. Five wrestlers got through to the state championship happening on Feb. 3.
Jaimez was effusive in his praise of the team.
“It's one of the easiest things to say, yet one of the hardest things to do; and that is striving to be the best we can be through adversity,” he said. “I've seen these ladies grow into the individuals I believed they could be, and here's the scary thing - they are not even close to being finished.”