On Saturday, January 5^th, Murray County hosted their annual wrestling Invitational, a tournament in which 14 different schools participated.  Adairsville took top team honors followed by Calhoun in second place and Kell High School (Marietta) in third.  Although Murray County finished in 6^th place, they had several wrestlers who place in the top 4 of their weight division.  North Murray also participated in the tournament and as a team place 11th. 

Indians coach Jonathan Smith said this tournament, with the exception of only a few years, has been going on since Tony Plavich started it in 1982.  He was pleased to see that the 2019 turnout was the best it had been in 10 years. 

The top achiever for the Murray Mat Men was Neal Henry, who took the crown at 160lbs. Other notable participants were Juan Perez and Jonathan Garcia, who finished as runners up, while Levi Bishop and Tyler Tenney finished 3^rd and 4^th respectively.

For North Murray, Colton Cochran finished 3^rd and was the only North Murray wrestler to finish in the top 4 of their weight division. 

The Most Outstanding Wrestler Award for the Murray County Invitational is given in memory of Todd Granger. Todd was a 1993 state champion and a member of two state championship teams. Fondly remembered as a tough wrestler, a loyal friend, and a devoted son, Todd tragically lost his life in a 1995 automobile accident.  His father, Tim Granger, was present and presented the award to Murray County's own Neal Henry, who was the award recipient for the second year in a row.  

The Indians Mat Men will be competing again this Saturday at Sonoraville High School and then at Ringgold High School next Tuesday.  North Murray will also travel to Sonoraville High School on both Friday and Saturday for events this week.