despite 2015 graduation losses
For a group of kids who weren’t supposed to be ready to wrestle at the varsity level, Wilson County’s “fantastic five” group of ninth graders have more than answered the bell.

“We lost a big group of seniors from last year,” said Central coach John Kramer. “But we’ve had a fantastic group of freshman step into varsity roles and they are a big reason why we are doing so well.”

Doing well indeed — how about being ranked No. 3 in the latest statewide polls with a record in dual meets of 34-5?

Here’s the freshmen in the Wildcat lineup.

106 lbs. Gage Backus 32-14
113 lbs. Alex Pergande 48-4
126 lbs. Cullen Belcher 37-11
220 lbs. Isaac Hodge 25-20
285 lbs. Michael Kramer 47-5

Leading the squad is 170-pounder Zach Linton. The senior has posted a record of 50-1 so far and last week defeated the No. 1 wrestler in his division — moving him into the No. 1 ranking in the state.