December - 2002

Wrestler of the Month

Mat Bird - East Ridge High School

Mat Bird, Senior at East Ridge High School, is currently ranked #1 at 125. Mat finished 2nd in State as a Junior and 3rd as a Sophomore -- both at 125 lbs. He is a 2-time Champion at the Pilot Taco Bell-Knox Catholic Invitational and 3-time Champion of the Central Invitational. Mat is the son of Libby Bird and the late James Bird. (Mr. Bird, a supporter of ER wrestling for years, was overcome by cancer this month last year.)

Coach of the Month

Brian Dunning - Glencliff High School

With his own coach apparently ‘out of control,’ Team Captain, Brian Dunning, assumed an early roll in the coach's chair at Hillwood (1970-71). In this photo he takes the seat of GP West, who as you can see worked very hard for his spot in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. Brian continues his coaching career today, primarily coaching his sons – Raymond (130#), who is currently ranked the #1 Senior in the state and Whitt (103#), also ranked #1 at his weight. Both of Brian's boys are making waves in the lineup at Father Ryan. Brian stepped back to the assistant coaching position at Glencliff High School last year to allow himself more time to enjoy a parental roll with his boys. Brian is actively involved with Tennessee Wrestling Federation and serves as the Kids and Folkstyle Director.