Collins Hill High School has established itself as one of Georgia's elite wrestling programs. Led by Coach Cliff Ramos, the Eagles have finished in the top ten in Georgia's largest classification thirteen consecutive years, including top 3 finishes each of the the last nine years and State Titles in 2001-02, 2004-05, and 2007-08. The Eagles have also wrestled to Region Championships nine of the past tweleve seasons. 

In fourteen years of existance, the history of the program includes an impressive array of individual achievements. Eagle wrestlers have placed (top six) 87 times in the State Tournament, including 20 individual State Championships, the most recent being Taylor Knapp's 2008 title in the 145-pound weight class. Knapp, a Junior, will be vying for his 3rd title in 2009. In 2005, Tyler Parker became the first wrestler in Georgia AAAAA history to win 4 Individual State Championships. Two former Eagle wrestlers, Joey Guiler (class of 2000) and David Brunson (class of 2001) won 3 State Championships during their careers. Nick Lukacs (class or 2004) finished his career with 2 State titles and three finals appearances.

The Eagles' 2007-08 season qualifies as one of the best in Georgia history. Collins Hill was crowned both Dual Meet and Traditional State Champions and did not lose to a Georiga team in any tournament or dual meet this past season. Third-place finishes in prestigious out-of state tournaments in Kansas City and Virginia propelled the Eagles to be ranked as high as #20 nationally. Additionally, Collins Hill sent nine wrestlers to the podium at the Georiga State Traditional Tournament Championship, including 5 finalists and one State Champion.

Five varsity starters from the 2007-08 squad will graduate including State runners-up Nick Smith (189 lbs.) and David Coffey (285), along with James Smithson (5th at 130), and 46-match winner Will Collins. The Eagle family will also bid farewell to starters Cody Parker and Mike Mangrum, both of whom played key roles in the Eagles success this past season. Eagle fixtures Karl Manning, David Carson, Luke Watkins, Chris Pawlik, Kyle Kiem, Wynn Duncan, and Trey Walker will also be greatly missed.

Despite the losses to graduation, the 2008-09 season will feature a lineup that includes nine State Qualifiers and six returning placers. Junior Taylor Knapp picked up right where he left off in 2007 by compiling a 59-1 record enroute to his 2nd straight State Tile. Sophomore Joel Smith followed up an outstanding Freshman campaign (4th in State) with his first finals appearance. Gary Tiller, a Junior, also made it to the finals and wrestled well against Josh Condon, one of Georgia's all-time greats.

Sophomore T.J. Mitchell set the Collins Hill single season victory (60) and pin (36) records enroute to a 3rd-place finish at the Gwinnett Arena. Another sophomore, Allen Willard, had an outstanding end to his season, finishing 4th at 119 lbs. and nearly upsetting eventual champion Brandon Westerman in the semi-finals. CJ Collins, yet another sophomore, burst onto the scene this past season with a 6th-place finish at 189 lbs. and will anchor the Eagle's upper weights for the next two years.

Returning State qualifiers Joseph Doyague, John Allgood and Sam Hoppenbrauwer all had excellent seasons and scored valuable team points at the State Tournament and will be in the hunt to reach the podium in 2009. The remaining 2008-09 lineup spots will be filled by members of the state's top JV team. JV King of the Hill champions Bazell Partrige, Josiah Connell, Caleb Sawchuk, Danny Wheeler, and Jamie Hertica will head a strong group of wrestlers who are sure to challenge for spots in the state's most hotly-contested Varsity lineup.

Congratulations to the 2007-08 State Champions and farewell to our departing Seniors!