By Brad Heath

When the Red Tornadoes take the mat this season, head coach Shawn Finch will have four possibly five wresters capable of making the state tournament this season.

Trey Bennett may have been the shocker in Class 4A last season having wrestled into the state tournament then won his way to the 170-pound finals only to lose to the No. 1 seed in Tucker Waitman from Tuttle. The two appear to be on a collision course again this season as both wrestlers will likely move to 165-pounds. Bennett is currently ranked No. 2 behind Waitman. 

Marcus Wilson is a young wrestler with a bright future. The sophomore is ranked No. 4 at 175-pounds and someone who can lean on his experience at state to catapult him into being a true contender this season. 

Christian Bermea (Jr.) is ranked No. 7 at 120-pounds and Julian Pina (Sr.) is ranked No. 8 at 126-pounds. Both wrestlers push each other in the wrestling room, and both have their sights set on finding the podium at the Big House. 

Did you know?

Clinton has one three-time state champion in Jimmy Loving (1986-1988). Loving won his third title wrestling at 123-pounds. 

Clinton High School’s first state champion came 100 years ago! In 1922 Clinton crowned two state champions in Gerald Northrip (145) and Marshall Covin (Hwt).