The Johnson Central wrestling program captured its 13th consecutive region championship at Martin County High School on Saturday, March 13. Individually, Johnson Central featured 11 region champions and two region runners- up. Photo courtesy of Johnson Central High School Wrestling

STAFF REPORT

BSN

INEZ — Johnson Central, under the direction of head coach Jim Matney, won its 13th consecutive KHSAA Region 8 wrestling title at Martin County High School Saturday.

All 13 Johnson Central wrestlers have advanced to semi-state competition.

“Our kids have put in an incredible amount of hard work through most difficult times,” Matney said. “They did not want to be the group that broke the 12-year winning streak of regional titles. After winning our second dual state team championship this season, we want to finish up as strong as we can in the individual tournaments.”

Eleven Johnson Central wrestlers claimed individual region titles while two JCHS grapplers turned in runner-up finishes.

A breakdown of Johnson Central's individual performances from the Region 8 wrestling tournament follows.

106-JD Morris (First), 113-Adam Williams (First), 120- Patrick Meek (First), 125-Caleb Barnes (First), 132-Jake Cain (First), 138- Seth Davis (First), 145-Reece Goss (First), 152-Logan Castle (First), 160-Zack McCoart (First), 170- Nick Stapleton (Second), 180-Chase Price (First) 195- Levid Rodriguez (First), Heavyweight-Jesse McCoy (Second).

In addition to Johnson Central, Region 8 includes Ashland Blazer, Belfry, Bourbon County, Boyd County, Harrison County, Hazard, Lawrence County, Letcher County Central, Martin County, Montgomery County, Paintsville, Perry County Central, Phelps, Pike County Central, Pikeville, Prestonsburg and West Carter.

Johnson Central will return to Martin County High School to compete in semi-state competition on Saturday, March 20.