The Savannah High School Wrestling Team went back to Columbia for a chance for individuals to win a State Title. The Savages have an overall record of 14-7 as a team. The team is coached by Mr. Anthony Barbrie. Coach Barbrie was pleased with the way his seniors did season.
“We had a solid group of seniors that were good captains and helped the underclassmen. There are three senior wrestlers, all competing in Columbia: Jesse Glise, Gabe Hummer and Ben Walker. Two Freshman also made it to State, Chance Phillips and Gage Schottel,” Mr. Barbrie said.
Senior Jesse Glise came in with a record of 27-14, finishing fourth at Districts. Glise would lose his first match at the State Competition, sending him to wrestlebacks for the rest of the tournament. After taking a year off, Glise was happy to be able to finish his wrestling career in Columbia.
“Walking back into the room to practice after taking a year off was my favorite memory, and being able to give it one more shot at the State Tournament,” Glise said.
Senior Ben Walker came into State with a record of 38-15, also finishing fourth at the District Tournament. Walker would also, unfortunately, fall in the tournament in the first two matches. Walker enjoyed his time wrestling under Coach Barbrie at Savannah.
“Practice was my favorite, bonding with your teammates and pushing each other everyday, I couldn't ask for better teammates and a better coach,” Walker said.
Senior Gabe Hummer finished second at Districts, with a season record of 42-5. Hummer worked very hard at the State Competition and would take home sixth place for the 170-lb weight class. Hummer was happy to end the Hummer legacy placing at State.
“It was a bittersweet moment ending my high school career knowing that wrestling had come to an end, but I am very happy to continue the legacy my brothers left behind . On to bigger and better things,” Hummer said.
Freshman Chance Phillips placed second at Districts. He then went on to win one match at State, ending his season with a record of 27-8. Being a freshman, Phillips was pleased with his season.
“This was my freshman year and I think I did pretty good this year but this was just a taste of what the future will hold for the next three years. I know I will always work to be the best I can,” Phillips said.
Freshman Gage Schottel finished his season with a record of 37-11, also getting a win at the State Tournament. Schottel was happy to be able to compete at State his first year at Savannah High School.
“I had a lot of fun wrestling this year. It’s cool to make it to the State tournament as a freshman; I learned a lot from the seniors, and am looking forward to next year,” Schottel said.
Congratulations to all the wrestlers on a fantastic season.