Tiger Gavin Brown was crowned champion at the State Traditional Wrestling Championships on Feb. 22. The tournament was a one-day event held at Buford High School.

Brown, who wrestles at 182 pounds, opened the tournament with a 4-1 decision over Isaiah Hale from North Hall. With the win, Brown advanced to the semi-finals.

In the semis, Brown defeated AJ Edmond of Elbert County, 7-2.

In the finals, the Tiger defeated Phillip Dean from Banks County, 6-5, in a very exciting match. Dean came into the final with a 52-4 record.

Brown, who was runner-up in the same weight class last season, finished the season with a 48-2 record.

Four other Dawson County wrestlers competed at the meet.

In the 220-pound weight class, senior Keaton Toal took third place after defeating Justin Loredo from Buford in a major decision, 10-2.

Toal got off to a great start. He defeated Loredo (31-20) in the opening round. In the semis, Toal was pinned by Matt Dilbeck (41-4) from Banks County. Toal finished his season with a 40-5 record for Head Coach Arron Haynes' team.

Also wrestling at the state meet were Justin Evans (31-9) at 113 pounds, Harrison Adams (28-11) at 132 pounds, and Brett Whalen (36-16) at 195 pounds.

Dawson County finished tied with Adairsville and Pierce County for 11th place as a team. The Tigers picked up 35 teams points.

Winning the state championship was Buford with 156 points. Runner-up was Banks County with 101 points.

The season is now over for the Tigers.