By Michael Butler

It was a storybook season. The Tallassee wrestling program capped an undefeated season with its second team title in two months and five individual championships to boot.

The Tigers (206 points) ran away with the Class 1A-4A state championship at Huntsville’s Von Braun Center topping old nemesis Weaver (153.5), who took second place this time. Oak Grove (113) finished third, the team that Tallassee beat in January to win the state duals title.

“Words can’t describe or express my love for each one of these young men,” said John Mask, Tallassee head coach. “They poured so much time into becoming better wrestlers on and off the mat.”

Five THS wrestlers claimed individual rings: Thomas Patterson (106), Mason Nelson (113), Land Bell (150), Tra’Mel McCoy (165) and Nolan Addeo (215).

Two seniors were repeat champions. Bell (57-0) won his third straight championship and ran his win streak to 135. He and Josh Epperson are the only Tallassee wrestlers to win three titles. Bell is Tallassee’s career leader in wins (261). His win streak ranks seventh all time in the AHSAA.

“What a season,” said Bell. “The Class of ’25 is going out with a bang; two team championships, five state champions and five placers as well. We were undefeated all year winning every tournament and team dual. I don’t think you can ask for much more. This team has made a statement this year signifying that we are the best team to come through Tallassee High School.”

Fellow senior Nelson (53-1) won his second state title over the weekend.

“It feels great to win another state championship and dominate throughout the tournament as well,” Nelson added. “It’s a blessing to compete with my teammates and win a team state title. Success doesn’t come overnight. It is achieved through hard work and constant support from friends, family and teammates. I couldn’t ask for a better way to end my senior season.”

Patterson (50-2), McCoy (45-4) and Addeo (48-2) became first-time champions and will all return next season.

The five individual titles are the most by a Tallassee team since the Tigers’ last traditional team title in 2014 when six wrestlers brought home blue trophies. That team too was coached by Mask.

“Having five state champions is a feat that is unheard of in this very physical sport,” he said. “Most coaches and teams dream of having one every few years. We are so blessed to have amazing wrestlers in our wonderful school.”

Tallassee qualified 13 wrestlers for the 14 weight classes in winning the Super South Sectional in Montgomery a week prior. Ten placed in Huntsville, a team record.

Tallassee went 43-0 in duals matches for the 2024-25 season winning four regular season tournaments (Jamie Blakely Duals, Gene Taylor Classic, Julian McPhillips Tournament, Beast at the Beach). Over the past four seasons, the senior class went 141-3 in duals matches without a regular season loss.

“This is something we will remember for the rest of our lives,” Mask noted. “Every wrestler this year worked so incredibly hard to achieve this goal of ours. It’s a dream come true.

“Tallassee is so blessed to have had each one of these men represent this city and school. What great energy and effort went into this dream. Every Tallassee wrestler is commended and celebrated. I love them so much and appreciate their efforts.”

The Tallassee girls team sent five state qualifiers to Huntsville and finished fifth in the team standings (Class 1A-5A) in the program’s first season. Three placed: Lilly Haynes (107), Abbi Carwile (120) and Alli Smith (152). Carwile (25-7) was the state runner-up in her division. Haynes (21-15) and Smith (17-6) both finished fourth in their respective classes.

“I have been doing this for 14 years and Tallassee has a reputation in the world of wrestling, so I knew the expectations were going to be high. But I think the girls also knew that as well,” said THS girls head coach Jason Taylor. “Coach Mask and the boys were on a mission from day one, so when the girls saw how hard they worked I think it inspired them to push just a little harder. And that hard work paid off.

“The first ever girls match at Tallassee was against Dadeville with Amy Caris Hernandez winning by pinning her girl in the first period. I know the pressures she felt knowing that everyone was watching. But that was how this season has gone. The girls have stepped up every time.

“I was given advice by a few older coaches when I first got into coaching. You are their cheerleader more than anyone else. You have to hold them accountable, but you have to build them up. And that has been my goal for day one. I told the girls my job is not to make you great wrestlers but to make you good people. And I think we did that. Mrs. Carwile, Brent and I work to do more than coach wrestling. I go back to the ‘“’not every loss is a failure idea.’”’ I have watched the girls battle back through lots of adversity and they continued to grow.” 

Individual Placers:
106 – Thomas Patterson (1st)
113 – Mason Nelson (1st)
132 – Aiden Bridgman (6th)
138 – Roman McWilliams (4th)
150 – Land Bell (1st)
157 – Brady Adams (5th)
165 – Tra’Mel McCoy (1st)
190 – Zach Crosthwait (2nd)
215 – Nolan Addeo (1st)
285 – Jude Rogers (5th)

Tallassee High School Individual Champions:
1997 (4A) – Brian Freeman, Brandon Redden
2001 (4A) – Justin Harris, Eric Cagle, Brandon Rigsby
2002 (4A) – Eric Cagle, Justin Harris
2003 (4A) – Jonathan Webb
2004 (4A) – Jonathan Webb, Mack Farrow
2006 (4A) – Jonathan Haynes
2009 (5A) – Sharrod Person, John Stuckey
2010 (5A) – Chris Adams, T. C. Robinson
2011 (5A) – Chris Adams, T. C. Robinson
2012 (5A) – Josh Epperson
2013 (4A) – Josh Epperson, Jesse Rowlen
2014 (4A) – Kennon Reese, Josh Epperson, D. J. Rivers, B. J. Thomas, Drew Baker, Davontae McKenzie
2015 (5A) – Kennon Reese
2016 (5A) – Jake Baker
2017 (5A) – Jake Baker
2020 (5A) – Zak Haynes
2023 (5A) – Land Bell
2024 (5A) – Mason Nelson, Ramon Lozada, Land Bell
2025 (1A-4A) – Thomas Patterson, Mason Nelson, Land Bell, Tra’Mel McCoy, Nolan Addeo