‘Small Invitational’ state champions

CAK looks to build on state dual success, sends 3 to individual state

Celebrating the team’s TSSAA Division II-Small Invitational Dual State Wrestling championship are a happy bunch of Christian Academy of Knoxville grapplers, in possession of the No. 1 trophy, Saturday evening, Feb. 2, in Franklin. One week later CAK had three of its wrestlers earn a trip back to Williamson County for the Individual state championship after top three region finishes, led by sophomore region champ Gavin Cagle in the 160-pound class (41-1 season record). Also qualifying were freshman Keyveon Roller, second in the 106 class (40-2), and junior Nathan Harris, third in the 126 class (43-8).
After claiming the TSSAA Division II-Small Invitational Dual State Wrestling title Saturday, Feb. 2, in Franklin, Christian Academy of Knoxville had three of its top grapplers earn a return trip to Williamson County this weekend for the individual state meet based on top three region finishes Saturday, Feb. 9.

“I’m really proud of our guys. Our guys fought. They went out and wrestled hard and did everything we needed to do,” CAK head coach Chris Hawkins said, as the Warriors beat Knox County rival Grace Christian Academy in the Small Dual finals.

Sophomore region champ Gavin Cagle (160-pound class), who carries a 41-1 record to individual state (112-15 career mark), wrestled at 171 in state duals.

It’s Cagle’s third trip to state since eighth grade.

Also qualifying for individual state were freshman Keyveon Roller, second in the 106 class (40-2), and junior Nathan Harris, third in the 126 class (43-8).

Roller “is such a competitor. And he’s been a great teammate,” Hawkins said, adding Harris “has been dedicated to the cause with work and extra effort.”