Twenty-five years ago, Tom Judkins became the first wrestling coach in Pickens County High School history when he started the wrestling program at Pickens County High School. On Saturday night, he was honored for his efforts. The new wrestling facility at Pickens High will be named in his honor for his tireless efforts supporting Pickens County wrestling. Judkins, and his wife Linda, were honored before the finals of the “The Burnt Mountain Classic” wrestling tournament, which concluded Saturday night.

(Photo by LT Melton)

The Pickens County Dragons hosted the “Burnt Mountain Classic.” The tournament, the brainchild of Judkins, has grown to include 19 different teams, one coming from as far away as Alabama to participate.

There were a total of 394 matches held over two days, Friday and Saturday. Including the conciliation wrestle backs, matches that decide third through fifth place, there were 10 different rounds.

(Photo by LT Melton)

The home team had one place winner, John Riddle, who finished fifth at the 145 weight class; however, heavyweight Tre Hampton just missed placing, losing 4-1 in the fifth place match on a last second takedown and a two point near fall.