After becoming the District 13 champions and moving on to Clarksville to compete in the Regionals, the Hendersonville Wrestling team advanced to the state duals for the fourth consecutive year.  

To begin the region tournament, Hendersonville was set to face District 14 runner up, Rossview.  With advancing dependent on the last match, Hendersonville’s 145, David McKeel stepped on the mat.

The junior, McKeel was able to pin his opponent, sealing the win for the Black and Gold.  With the win, 30-27, the Commandos advanced to face the region champions of a year ago, Clarksville.

Of the Commando win, Hendersonville Head Wrestling Coach Jason Bennett said, “We knew we would have a close match with Rossview and the guys showed a lot of heart and pulled out a big win.”

Hendersonville, after leaving everything on the mat in the win over Rossview, could not keep pace with Clarksville.  Clarksville defeated the Commandos, 54-15.

The loss to Clarksville, Hendersonville’s fifth of the year, placed the Commandos as the Region 7 runner up.  With the second place finish, the Commandos advance to the TSSAA State Duals Competition on February 5-6th.

The Commandos enter elite competition, as they are among only sixteen teams from across the state still vying for a State Dual Championship.  

Bennett said, “Qualifying for the State Duals is something the guys have been working towards since October and it was great to see their hard work pay off.”