By Lee Davis
It’s probably poetic justice that former Vestavia Hills wrestling coach Steve Gaydosh was one of the most vocal proponents of a state duals wrestling championship.
Gaydosh believed that a football playoff-style duals championship would draw more spectator interest in wrestling, as opposed to the traditional format of the state’s top wrestlers reaching the state meet through a lengthy sectional competition process.
“There are a lot more Vestavia High School fans than Vestavia wrestling fans, and a lot more Hoover High School fans than Hoover wrestling fans,” Gaydosh said. “Can you imagine the interest if Vestavia and Hoover wrestled for the state championship?”
Gaydosh got his wish, as Vestavia – now coached by Tee Adams – directed the Rebels to the first-ever Class 7A championship with a 47-19 victory over Oak Mountain at Bill Harris Arena on Jan. 28.
“Our guys took it very seriously and went out and did the job,” Adams said.
Vestavia entered the meet final with an advantage, as the Eagles had competitors in only 12 of the 14 classes. The Rebels won five of the first eight matches to set the tone for the night. Zachary Nelson and Rob Barrentine earned pins in the 170-pound and 182-pound classes, respectively, to clinch the victory.
Adams’ team earned its way to the final with a 50-16 win over Bob Jones and a 32-31 nail-biter over Hewitt-Trussville.
Winning wrestlers for Vestavia included Alex Thomas, 120 pounds; Nathaniel Nailen, 126 pounds; Peter Dazzio, 138 pounds; Jack Stoves, 145 pounds; Spencer Haddock, 152 pounds; Nelson, 170 pounds; Barrentine, 182 pounds; James Edwards, 220 pounds; Jacob Edwards, 285 pounds.
Winning wrestlers for Oak Mountain included: Sullivan Tipton, 106 pounds; Cole Thomas, 113 pounds; Blake Randle, 132 pounds; Barrett Blakely, 160 pounds; Jordan Davis, 195 pounds.
The official state wrestling championships will be crowned at the Alabama High School Athletic Association meet at Huntsville this month.
