May - 2003

Wrestler of the Month

Nathan Jones - Cleveland High School

Nathan Jones of Cleveland, a defending 2002 FREESTYLE State Champion, gave a repeat performance of the 2003 TSSAA Championships last weekend at the TWF State Championships at Father Ryan. In the 171/lb. championship finals match with Bryant Blackmon ( Bradley Central) Jones dominated Blackmon with a 10-0 technical fall and once again earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award in the Junior Division of this USAW sanctioned tournament. Nathan's high school and freestyle coach is Al Miller, a long time advocate of summer wrestling programs. During the recent High School Awards Banquet, Nathan Jones was recognized as the Regions WRESTLER OF THE YEAR. With a senior year record of 42-1, Jones beat long-time rival Bryant Blackmon of Bradley for the 171-pound TSSAA State title, winning with a methodical 4-0 decision. This was Jones' second high school title after winning at 145 as a sophomore. His Junior year, he suffered a severely sprained ankle and could not compete.