The Kentucky High School Athletic Association State Wrestling Tournament gets underway today at Alltech Arena at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
For one Christian County High School wrestler, who will be wrestling in the state meet for a second straight year, this opportunity almost didn’t happen.
Senior Deacon Harrison, a 157-pounder, who finished third in the Region 1 Wrestling Meet last weekend, nearly quit the sport a few years ago. It took a dinner with Colonels’ Head Coach Dee Leavell and his parents to convince Harrison not to give up.
Leavell said he saw potential in Harrison and didn’t want to see him quit. He said he had one shot to convince the young wrestler to stay with the sport.
Harrison came back and last year, as a junior, he took fourth place at in the regional meet and qualified for the state meet where he went 1-2. This year he enters the state tournament with a 25-6 record.
Harrison said he was glad he stuck it out.
Leavell said Harrison’s grit and determination are a good example for other athletes who are faced with tough decisions, whether it’s on the mat, football field, basketball court, or classroom.
Harrison knows he has a tough road to a state championship this weekend, but he is hoping to earn some points and help his team, which is sending six grapplers to the state meet.
Harrison, who is being recruited by Lindsey Wilson College and Midway University, will open the tournament against George Rogers Clark’s Brock Heidle (34-10).
Other Colonels competing in the boys’ meet today and Friday include Treshawn Crenshaw (Heavyweight), Paul Abren (150), Brodie Smith (175), DeAsian Harris (190), and Dane Miller (144).
Hopkinsville High School also will send a pair of wrestlers to the state meet today. They include Christon Johnson (120) and Ayden Brison (113).
“I am confident that they will surprise some people at the state tournament and am extremely hopeful they will both bring home a state medal at the end.,” Hoptown coach Cameron DeArmond said.
Wrestling is set to begin at 9 a.m. today.
Meanwhile, the Girls’ KHSAA State Wrestling Meet is scheduled for Saturday. Christian County will send Avah Miller to the mat at 165 pounds. Rhyn Trahan will go as an alternate.
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