WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: Land Bell, Tallassee
There arguably no better wrestler in the county than Tallassee’s Land Bell. After ending his senior campaign with a 135-match win streak and capturing his third consecutive state title at 150 pounds, Bell goes down as one of the most decorated wrestlers in school history. In his senior year he went a perfect 57-0.
FIRST TEAM
Swayze Martin, Wetumpka
Wetumpka’s Swayze Martin was one of many to qualify for state this year for the Indians, ending this year in fifth place at 132 pounds. Martin posts an impressive 82-31 record with 35 wins coming via pin. He is just a sophomore with two years left to go before his high school career ends, but where it stands now he is in good standings to improve upon his success next year.
Mason Nelson, Tallassee
Tallassee’s Mason Nelson was one of five individual state champions for the undefeated Tigers, with this being his second consecutive title. He ended the year with just one loss to his record while winning 53 matches — taking down Ryker Houston of Alexandria in the championship bout.
Tyler Payton, Elmore County
Back-to-back sure does sound good when you’re Elmore County’s Tyler Payton. The two-time standout wrestler for the Panthers went near perfect with a record of 28-1 in his sophomore year with his final win coming against Bryson Millwood of Corner High School.
Jack Brown, Wetumpka
Among the other state qualifiers for Wetumpka was senior Jack Brown in the 190-pound division. In the year he went 36-14, but fell to Dominique Morrissette of McAdory in the fifth-place match — earning him a sixth place in Class 6A.
Tra’Mel McCoy, Tallassee
Another Tiger to take the top spot in the state championship was Tra’Mel McCoy. In the first place match, McCoy took down Weaver’s Dylan Brown via a 12-6 decision, to end his campaign with a 45-4 record.
Dominic Sager, Stanhope Elmore
Welcome to the scene Dominic Sager. He was already a standout wrestler on last year's team, but further proved his dominance this season being crowned the Class 6A 285-pound champion in just his sophomore year. In his career he posts a 51-11 record with 34 pins, nine techs and three major decisions.
Barrett Adams, Wetumpka
Wetumpka's Barrett Adams came onto the scene last year as an eighth grader for the Indians and now cements himself as a top wrestler for the school. Adams posted a 51-9 on the year and came away with fifth place at state.
Thomas Patterson, Tallasee
Atop of the Class 1A-4A 106 pound podium was Tallassee’s Thomas Patterson. He took down Alexandria’s Jeremy Lambert in the first place match to put his final record at 50-2. Patterson is only a sophomore with the odds of a back-to-back championship seemingly in the cards.
Dylan Farris, Holtville
Holtville’s Dylan Farris did something this year that has been done since 2018 for the program — placing at state. Farris fell to eventual state championship John Stewart to come away with a second place finish at state. In his junior year, he posted a 35-20 record for the Bulldogs.
Nolan Addeo, Tallassee
To round out the Tallassee state champions was Nolan Addeo, capturing the Class 1A-4A 215-pound title over Bayside’s Noah Breeland. He ended his junior campaign with a 48-2 record for the Tigers. Tallassee coach John Mask has high expectations for Addeo this coming season.
Casey Crumpton, Elmore County
Payton was not alone as the only Elmore County wrestler to place in the state tournament, Casey Crumpton ended his freshman campaign with a third place finish, taking down Hayden’s Eli Mcalpine. On the year, Crumpton went 41-14 to be another shining wrestler for the Panthers.
SECOND TEAM
Avery Brantley, Tallassee
Hunter Chavis, Holtville
Aiden Bridgman, Tallassee
Hudson Mann, Holtville
Roman McWilliams, Tallassee
Tyson Ratliffe, Holtville
Brady Adams, Tallassee
Liam Mckinney, Wetumpka
Joseph Hooks, Tallassee
Eli Walsh, Wetumpka
Zack Crosthwait, Tallassee
Troy Watson, Wetumpka
Jude Rogers, Tallassee
