Bulloch Academy fell just short of clinching a second consecutive state title, but still notched an impressive runner-up finish at the GISA Class AAA championships last weekend at Tattnall Square Academy in Macon.
    The Gators saw five wrestlers record individual state titles, but fell a few points shy of the Westfield School for the overall team title.
    “Another state title would have been great, but there isn’t much to be unhappy about with this season,”  BA coach Andy Tomlin said. “We saw a lot of guys really step up and improve on the mat.”
    Justin Lane (113 pounds), Joshua Bohannon (120), Mitchell Ball (126), Dylan Stuckey (195), and Asa Johnson (220) all won titles in their weight class. Ball’s championship was his third individual crown in four years. He won a title as an eighth grader and has continued to dominate as he has moved up several weight classes since his first season with the Gators.
    Bohannon recorded the biggest win for Bulloch and one of the most shocking upsets of the entire competition. Squaring off against Beau Graydon of Brandon Hall in the finals, Bohannon rallied in the final 14 seconds to defeat his nationally ranked opponent.
    “Most of the crowd was kind of rooting against us since we came in as the defending champs,” Tomlin said. “But everybody went nuts when Josh was able to get those last couple of points to win his match. That was a pretty incredible moment.”
    Last season, the Gators rode a deep and balanced roster to the state title. This year, Bulloch entered competition having lost all three of its individual title holders and with a very young and inexperienced group. The entire team took strides as the season went on, with four of Bulloch’s five state champs in 2013 coming courtesy of underclassmen.
    With so much experience returning, Tomlin is already excited about next season.
    “We fought our way to the top last year and we got a lot of experience with everyone looking to knock us off this year,” Tomlin said. “Next year could be kind of a perfect storm. If everyone stays on the team, we should have a lot of talent at just about every weight class. That’s going to help us get back on top for another team title.”

    Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9404.