Story By Heath Hambrick

The Fort Payne Wildcats had six wrestlers qualify for the state tournament at last weekend AHSAA North Sectionals in Birmingham. Fort Payne, as a team, finished seventh overall in the event. 

Grayson Hester led the way for the Wildcats with a second place finish in the 285 pound class. Hester had three pins during his matches. Collin Wilson, finished sixth in the 215 pound class with two decisions, one pin and a major decision. Brayden Dobbs finished fifth in the 138 pound class with two pins, one tech fall and a major decision. Henry Ovalle finished fifth in the 132 pound class with two decisions, one tech fall and one pin. Tucker Burkhead finished fifth in the 126 pound class with four pins. Ty Goggans finished third in the 120 pound class with a pin, two major decisions and one decision. 

The Wildcats will compete at the AHSAA State Wrestling Tournament this week. Tournament begins Thursday at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.