Go to the homepage for the Sylva Herald and Ruralite

Bartell, Patterson to wrestle at state meet

By Carey Phillips
SMHS's Jordon Bartell

Smoky Mountain's Jordan Bartell (left) is on his way to a come-from-behind victory over an opponent from Roberson in last week's wrestling regionals. Bartell finished third to qualify for the state meet at 140 pounds.

Two Smoky Mountain wrestlers are headed to the State 3-A Tournament set for Friday and Saturday at Charlotte's Independence Arena.

Jordan Bartell at 140 pounds and Chuck Patterson in the heavyweight division finished third in Saturday's Western Regionals at Enka.

"Jordan had a tremendously difficult tournament," Coach Ian Roper said. "The 140-pound class in our conference was tough, but in the regionals it was extremely hard."

He opened with a 3-2 decision over Franklin's Jeff McDougall. The score was 2-2 after the second period, with Bartell winning on an escape.

In his next match, Bartell, who sustained facial injuries last month in a sledding accident, took a blow to his cheekbone and went down putting him in a 7-1 deficit to Enka's Lee Pegram. He fought back but lost 7-4.
SMHS's Chuck Patterson

Chuck Patterson (right) has the upper hand for Smoky Mountain in last week's wrestling regionals. Patterson, SM's heavyweight, won this match against an opponent from East Rutherford. He finished third at the regionals to qualify for the state meet.

In a do-or-die consolation match against Sebren of Roberson, Bartell staged a miracle comeback. He trailed 9-6 with nine seconds left then picked up one point with an escape. He recorded a takedown as time expired for a 9-9 tie. A takedown in overtime gave him an 11-9 win.

Bartell pretty much controlled his final two matches to place third. He defeated Cobb of North Gaston 3-1 and Phillips of Ashe 7-5.

Roper said Patterson had a tough draw as he came in as the 12th seed despite a 24-13 record.

Patterson opened with a 13-5 victory over North Buncombe's Joe Rogers. Roper said he controlled the match from the start.

A 7-4 loss to North Surry's T.J. Spraker sent Patterson to the consolation bracket.
In the next three matches, Patterson took early leads and held on for 3-2 wins. He defeated Hogan of South Point, Miller of East Rutherford and Victor Bolanos of Erwin.

"He wrestled the most intelligently I've ever seen him wrestle," Roper said. "He got ahead and knew what he had to do to get the victory."

The coach said Ricky Moore, Mike Scott and Chris Hilton all wrestled well.

Tuscola was the regional winner. The Mustangs finished 13th among 20 teams.

Back to Sports: 02/24/00.

Back to Archive: 02/24/00.