Wrestlers begin quest for title

By Michael Butler

"I'm tired of second," said two-time defending wrestling champ Land Bell. "Two years of runner-up. I hate losing. This is (my) last year. I think we're here to make a statement this year."

The THS senior has made more than just a statement with his work on the mats with two individual titles, but that team title has eluded the Tigers, who move down to the Class 4A ranks for the 2024-25 season.

"When the seniors and captains say that, hopefully they'll make sure everybody does what they need to do to make that happen," said Tallassee head coach John Mask. "Hopefully that dream will come to reality."

Tallassee has been the state runner-up the last two years in the Class 5A duals championships. Over the past three seasons they have a 98-3 record in duals matches with losses coming exclusively in state tournaments.

"We have eight seniors. I'm just happy to be coaching," said Mask. "Weaver's your three-time defending champion. They've won more than anybody in the 4A classification. They have 12 guys back with 37 or more wins."

Going back some years, Weaver has put Tallassee in the second position three different times, claiming team titles from 2002-'04. Tallassee was third in Class 5A last spring at the traditional team tournament in Huntsville with three individual champions; Bell, Mason Nelson and Ramon Lozada. Bell and Nelson are back this season.

(From left): Lozada, Bell and Nelson with their state rings

"Last year was awesome," said Nelson. "A lot of it's a mental aspect. You've gotta stay disciplined, eat healthy and keep working out. Winning it all was everything I'd ever worked for. It didn't feel real. It was very emotional."

While Nelson is going for his second straight belt, for would be three straight for Bell which would tie a program best set by Josh Epperson, who is now an assistant coach at his alma mater.

"(There) are still a few records that need to be broken," Bell said. "One is the career win record held by (Epperson). The other is held by my own brother, most wins in a single season."

Mason Bell had 59 victories in 2020. Land was 57-0 last year. The career mark for wins by Epperson is 235. Land has 207 headed into this season.

Bell will wrestle at 150-pounds, up one weight class from last year. Nelson is moving up a class to 113 this season. Another senior, Jude Rogers, is working at 215.

"I'm really excited, ready to wrestle hard, ready to ball out," said Rogers. "We've had a hard summer. We've been going non-stop. I'm just ready to get that team piece and individual piece."

The trio have been a part of several wrestling titles growing up in the youth ranks. They started together at the age of five.

"I'm glad we made it this far," Rogers added. "I don't think there are any other teammates I'd rather have."

Tallassee opens the varsity slate with matches versus Beulah, Montevallo and Dadeville on Monday, Nov. 18 at home. The next day, the varsity and junior varsity will be at Auburn for matches with the host team and Troup County. The Jamie Blakely Duals will be on Monday of Thanksgiving week at THS.

*WTLS Interview

2024-25 Schedule