<body><div>After steadily climbing the ranks throughout his high school career, Cheatham County Central senior wrestler Roger Gonzalez capped his final season in February with a runner-up finish in the Class A individual tournament.Earlier this month, the 285-pounder added one final accolade to his standout final season as he was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association all-state wrestling team.According to Cheatham County coach Jeremy Boyd, Gonzalez’s journey to the podium was the culmination of a long journey.“Roger started off pretty slow as a freshman and was one match away from making the sectional tournament, winning only four varsity matches all year,” Boyd said. “But his determination was evident, and he has improved every year. He has worked hard at being a better wrestler.”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4199fF_1BE1PXLr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4199fF_1BE1PXLr00" width="1024" height="683" ><figcaption>CCCHS’ Roger Gonzalez (right) attempts to take down Samuel Everett’s Tyson Click in the 285-pound championship bout at the TSSAA Class A wrestling state championship on Feb. 21. Gonzalez was recently named all-state by the Tennessee Sportswriters Association. CARL EDMONDSON JR.</figcaption></figure>After qualifying for the state championship in two previous years, Gonzalez knew what it took to put himself in position to return to the Williamson County Ag Expo in his final season.Picking up momentum all year long, Gonzalez officially clinched his trip to state on Feb. 14 after winning the 285-pound Section 4 tournament at Millington High School.Just a week later, Gonzalez found himself in Franklin, poised for the biggest run of his career.The CCCHS standout cruised in his first three matches to advance to the final, seeking to become CCCHS’ first individual state champion since 112-pounder Christopher Pipkin in 2008.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=30j7oK_1BE1PXLr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=30j7oK_1BE1PXLr00" width="618" height="1108" ><figcaption>Roger Gonzalez makes his way onto the mat at the Williamson County Ag Expo ahead of his 285-pound title match on Feb. 21. CARL EDMONDSON JR.</figcaption></figure>Squaring off against Samuel Everett senior Tyson Click, Gonzalez went toe-to-toe with his fellow heavyweight. The back-and-forth match ended when Click pinned Gonzalez at the 4:59 mark of the third period, leaving Gonzalez as the silver medalist.“It was a crazy experience,” Gonzalez said. “I never thought I would make it to the finals of a state championship. I have no regrets and I’m thankful I got the opportunity to do it.”With his all-state selection serving as virtually the final chapter in his CCCHS wrestling career, Gonzalez said that some of his fondest memories as a Cub came away from the mat alongside his teammates.“My favorite memory would be messing around and staying up late in the hotel rooms with my friends and going out to eat at restaurants with my friends,” Gonzalez said.Senior’s spark to fuel next Cub squadGonzalez becomes the latest Cub to find success under Boyd, who has spent 30 years leading the program at Cheatham County Central, compiling more than 300 career victories and guiding the Cubs to two state dual appearances. Boyd said Gonzalez’s development helped set the tone for the Cubs’ wrestling program and could continue paying dividends moving forward.“Seeing one of your teammates make a run at state is huge,” Boyd said. “All our guys have worked hard in the offseason to get to where we are right now,” Boyd said. “I look to continue that this summer. We have several talented wrestlers returning next season. It all depends on the work they put in during the summer as to how far they will go next season.”Boyd added that no matter how successful his Cubs are next season, there will be a 285-pound void.“We wish Roger all the best,” Boyd said. “He gave our guys a little glimpse of what is possible and we are excited to see him receive this recognition as he departs. We are going to miss Roger, that’s for sure.”</div></body>

Block Source: mainstreetmediatn.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

After steadily climbing the ranks throughout his high school career, Cheatham County Central senior wrestler Roger Gonzalez capped his final season in February with a runner-up finish in the Class A individual tournament. Earlier this month, the 285-pounder added one final accolade to his standout final season as he was...

Area heavyweight earns all-state nod

NewsBreak

After steadily climbing the ranks throughout his high school career, Cheatham County Central senior wrestler Roger Gonzalez capped his final season in Febr

Area heavyweight earns all-state nod

Comments