The first day of Tyler Payton’s sophomore year was a memorable one.
Elmore County High School held a first day assembly honoring athletic and academic excellence in the gym on Wednesday. Administration recognized the top 10 students in the senior, junior and sophomore class, but Payton got his own honor.
Payton received his 2024 wrestling state championship ring in front of the entire school. Payton had a stellar freshman season last year on the mats as he went 40-1 overall and claimed the Class 5A state championship in the 150-pound weight class.
After losing a match early in the season, Payton went on to win 26-consecutive matches en route to his state championship.
He then put on a state championship performance for the ages. He started his tournament off with a match against Holtville’s Sam Segarra (44 wins), and he made quick work of the opponent with a 15-0 technical fall win.
He then advanced to the semifinals and faced Tallassee’s Ethan Jones, who had 47 wins on the year. He won that matchup, 9-2, in what was the closest match of the tournament.
In the finals, he faced Southside-Gadsden’s Peyton Adams. He won the match, 13-2, and dominated from start to finish. He earned back-to-back takedowns in the first period and took an 11-1 lead before Adams was able to earn a second escape.
After the dominant win, Payton came up screaming in joy, showed off with a backflip and celebrated with his Elmore County fans watching on the sidelines.
