PREP WRESTLING: Bristol schools battle at the Bearcat Den

 Virginia High senior James Settle can still remember the pain.

It all started during a match about two weeks before last season’s Clinch Mountain District wrestling tournament.

“A kid slammed me on my shoulder and it fractured my collarbone,” Settle said. “It was horrible to deal with.”

  The long, and often tortuous, road to redemption continued Monday for Settle in the annual Best of Bristol tournament at the Bearcat Den.

After winning his opening match against John Battle with a quick pin, Settle outlasted a Sullivan East wrestler en route to a 7-2 decision. Settle began this season competing in the 145-pound weight class before dropping to 138.

Settle is fueled by the memory of his injury and the herculean struggle to stay on the mat. He somehow managed to win his weight class in the 2011 CMD tournament before encountering more problems at the Region D tournament.

“The collarbone healed enough to where I could move my arm, so I figured I could still wrestle,” Settle said. “And then in about the third match of region, a kid worked a (half nelson) move and my collarbone just snapped.”

  Gritting it out with just one healthy arm, Settle won his final match in the regional. He finished fifth and was listed as an alternate for the state tournament.

“James was on a roll before he got hurt,” VHS coach Josh Shuler said.

Settle, who still feels occasional stiffness in his collarbone, has set a high goal for this season.

  “I want to qualify for state and do well,” Settle said. “Wrestling is my sport. I work on it all year.”

The Bearcats edged John Battle 54-30 in Monday’s opening round.

The most impressive team in Monday’s four-team event was Sullivan East. Relying on five seniors, the Patriots defeated Virginia High 63-12 and Tennessee High by a 63-15 margin in the early rounds.

“We’ve been dealing with injuries and sickness but this is probably one of the best nights we’ve had in a while,” East assistant coach Brad Perry said.

The leaders for East include Ryan Whitaker (113 pounds), Tanner Perry (152) and Hallie McQuality at 285. Perry has not lost to a wrestler from Tennessee all season.

 With a win over Greeneville last week, the Patriots qualified for this weekend’s Tennessee State duals in Franklin where they will face Hixson in the first round. East will host the regional tourney on Feb. 11.

It hasn’t been an easy season for Tennessee High coach Tim Smith, as the Vikings have been slowed by a variety of injuries and ailments.

  “We’ve been fortunate the past couple years but the injuries have just been piling up this season,” Smith said. “With all our forfeits, we’re giving up about 30 points right off the bat.”

  The Vikings did post a 42-36 decision over John Battle. 

  Junior Jeremy Taylor (113) is the leader for THS. A two-time state qualifier who honed his skills in the Bluff City and Viking youth wrestling programs, Taylor has compiled a 37-7 record despite dealing with pain in his arm and knees.

  “I try to recover from my injuries pretty quick,” said Taylor, who won his first two matches Monday on a decision and forfeit.

  After qualifying for state as a 103-pounder two years ago, Taylor agreed to bump up to the 120-pound class last year so his brother Jonathan could compete at 113 pounds. Jonathan is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, so Jeremy has split time in two classes.

  “I was actually kind of small for 103 pounds. And then I didn’t think I could make state last year but I really worked on it,” Taylor said

Smith said that Jack Jones is another potential state qualifier at 160 pounds.

Robert Luchini was among the most focused wrestlers Monday. After helping to guide the John Battle football team to a landmark winning season this fall, the John Battle junior decided to try wrestling for the first time.

 “I have no experience in wrestling but I’ve been learning with each match,” said Luchini, who plays middle linebacker and tight end for the Trojans in football

   Luchini relied on the basics Monday to win his opening match against Virginia High by pin.

“I just rely on my strength and desire right now,” Luchini said. “I’m trying to learn technique as I go. That will come.”

Battle football coach Steve Wright was a standout prep and college wrestler who formerly coached at Marion.

“Coach Wright told me wrestling would be a good idea, so I thought I would try it,” Luchini said. “Football season was real exciting and that excitement has carried over. We worked hard for our success and we haven’t let up in the off-season.

The Clinch Mountain District duals will be held Wednesday at Lee, with the CMD meet to follow Saturday at Virginia High.  Traditional state power Grundy will compete in the CMD tournament this season. 

     With Grundy in the mix, Settle realized the competition will be stiffer. But after the travails of last season, he’s just happy to have the opportunity.

     “It’s just another obstacle,” Settle said.

    agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544.