The Ware County Gator wrestling team delivered a dominant performance at the Region 1 - AAAA Traditional Tournament, held Friday, January 20, 2026, in Perry. Focusing on consistency from top to bottom, the Gators crowned multiple champions, placed wrestlers in nearly every weight class, and secured the Region 1 - AAAA team championship in impressive fashion.
Ware County finished the tournament with 259.0 team points, well ahead of the field, showcasing depth, toughness, and poise throughout the day.
Individual Highlights (Ware County Focus)
106 lbs: Cristian Martinez battled his way to a 2nd - place finish, reaching the finals before falling to Wayne County’s Larry Lopez.
113 lbs: Jordan Maxwell captured the region championship, pinning Perry’s Immanual Segura in the finals.
120 lbs: Noah Paul earned 2nd place, finishing runner-up to Perry’s Matthew Kohlman.
126 lbs: Rodrigo Reyes claimed 3rd place with a fall over Wayne County’s Grover Mixell.
132 lbs: Damarion Zanders finished 2nd, dropping a hard-fought decision in the championship bout.
138 lbs: Evan Thomas secured 3rd place, recording a fall in the consolation final.
144 lbs: Jaden McKelvin was crowned Region Champion, winning a thrilling 15 - 13 decision over Benedictine’s Walker Minnich.
150 lbs: Aaron Bennett placed 2nd, advancing to the finals before falling to Wayne County’s Benjamin Doomes.
157 lbs: Taishawn Muchison earned 2nd place, reaching the championship match.
165 lbs: Gunter Fore claimed the region title, winning by technical fall in the finals.
175 lbs: Collin Deal dominated his weight class, winning the region championship with a quick pin in the finals.
190 lbs: Leland Nettles finished 4th, earning valuable team points.
215 lbs: Jalen Hampton placed 2nd, reaching the finals before a fall to Perry’s Gabriel Nazario.
285 lbs: Antonio Birch rounded out the tournament with a 3rd - place finish, securing a pin in the consolation final.
Between the individual finals and consolation rounds, all 14 Ware County wrestlers qualified for the Sectional Tournament, a testament to the program’s depth and preparation.
Team Standings
Ware County - 259.0
Perry - 213.5
Wayne County HS - 185.0
Benedictine Military School - 176.5
Warner Robins - 97.0
New Hampstead HS - 55.5
Up Next
The Gator wrestlers will continue postseason competition at the GHSA AAAA A Sectional Tournament, hosted by Cambridge High School on Saturday, February 7, 2025. Match times will be announced at a later date.
With a region championship in hand and a full lineup advancing, Ware County now turns its focus toward sectional and state competition with momentum firmly on its side.
