by Patrick Conner
The Paducah Sun
January 30, 2024
Used with permission.
This past Saturday, the Paducah Tilghman Blue Tornado wrestling program traveled to Campbellsville to partake in the KYWCA 2A State Dual Championships at Taylor County High School. Across the day, the Tornado won four straight matches against Wayne County (72-12), Moore (63-0), Harrison County (43-33), and finally Johnson Central (32-27) to claim their second consecutive 2A State Championship.
The Blue Tornado began the tournament with pool play, competing in Pool C against Wayne County and Moore. They handily won their first matchup over Wayne County, picking up 10 victories by pinfall en route to a 72-12 victory. Tilghman’s second victory in pool play proved to be even more dominant, shutting Moore out 63-0, scoring six pins and three major decisions to advance to the bracket matches with an unblemished record.
In the first match of bracket play, the Blue Tornado met Harrison County. Tilghman fell behind early in the matchup, as Harrison claimed 27 points across matches in the 106, 113, 120, 126, and 132 pound weight classes. The Tornado stormed back with five straight fall victories, before Jack James and Jimmy Mooney each picked up their third win of the day, securing a 43-33 victory to send Tilghman to the finals.
Awaiting the Blue Tornado in the final matchup was Johnson Central, who also got the better of Tilghman within the lighter weight classes to establish a lead. Case Simmons, Jayven Williams, Amari Williams, Hank James and Jayden Morris all picked up victories by decision for Tilghman from the 106 to 157 pound weight classes. Still trailing in the overall matchup, Tilghman once again shined in the heavier classes, as Ben Hall picked up his second win of the day at 175, while Uriah Virzi earned a technical fall at 190. James (Fall, 5:01) and Mooney (Dec. 6-1) each picked up a win to remain perfect, securing the 32-27 victory and the program’s second straight 2A State Dual Championship.