Middle School Wrestlers Honored at Annual Banquet
by Dr. Hunter Norris [Photos]
  The Tullahoma Middle School wrestling team was honored at its annual banquet at Damron's Restaurant recently by coaches Max Gessler, Sr., Max Gessler, Jr., and Mike Frederick. After dinner the main speaker was senior THS Wrestler and 3 time TSSAA State Qualifier/Valedectorian Ziad Aboulmouna who spoke on hard work paying off.
  Then, Head Coach Max Gessler announced the individual awards. Deonta Smith was given the Impact Award for making a difference to the team. The Alan Barren Award for dedication was given to Issac Foster. Leslie Simmons not only received the Most Improved Award but also the Academic Excellence Award for East Middle. The Academic Excellence Award for West Middle was given to Drew Lester. Luke Frederick was recognized for the Intensity Award and Jacob Shelton for the Hustle Award. The Leadership Plaque was awarded to Nick Smith and the MVP for the season was Brandon Brunner.
  The highlight of the evening is always the final presentation of the black letterman Jackets to those wrestlers that finished first in the Middle Tn Conference Championships. Brandon Brunner, Perrin Norris, Luke Frederick, and 3 time winner Josh Thompson all walked down front to don the coveted coat.
  "All of these individual recognitions take a back seat to the team effort of finishing third in the year end championships, " Max Gessler said.
  Coach Frederick thanked Max for coaching without a child on the team this year and welcomed everyone to attend the AAU Children's Tournament on February 23 and the Girls State Championships on February 24 at Tullahoma High School.