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 fourteen consecutive years, including top 3 finishes each of the the last ten years and State Titles in 2001-02, 2004-05, 2007-08 and 2008-09. The Eagles have also wrestled to Region Championships 10 of the past thirteen seasons. 

In fifteen years of existance, the history of the program includes an impressive array of individual achievements. Eagle wrestlers have placed (top six) 99 times in the State Tournament, including 25 individual State Championships.  Among the most recent is Taylor Knapp's 2009 title in the 160-pound weight class. Knapp, a Senior, cemented himself as one of Georigia's all-time greats by winning his 3rd State title.

In 2005, Tyler Parker became the first wrestler in Georgia AAAAA history to win 4 Individual State Championships. Besides Knapp, 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' 2008-09 season qualifies as perhaps the best in Georgia history. Collins Hill was crowned both Dual Meet and Traditional State Champions. Strong showings in national-level tournaments in Kansas City and Minnesota resulted in a #22 ranking nationally. Additionally, Collins Hill sent a record twelve wrestlers to the podium at the Georiga State Traditional Tournament Championship, including 6 finalists and five State Champions.  The 140-point margin of victory in the team standings is also a AAAAA record.

Five varsity starters from the 2008-09 squad will graduate including Knapp and 152 lb.State Champion Gary Tiller.  Tiller battled injuries to his shoulder and knee on his way to the top of the podium after a 2nd-place finish in 2008. 

Also graduating are Caleb Sawchuk (4th at 112 lbs.), John Allgood (3rd at 125), Sam Hoppnebrauer (4th at 145), Cam Collins, Peter Codella, Ben Flaherty, Davis Park, Matt Rink and Danny Wheeler.  The Eagle faithful thank each of you for your hard work and dedication to our program and wish you the very best in your future.    

Despite the losses to graduation, the 2009-10 season will feature a lineup that includes nine State Qualifiers and seven returning placers. Sophomore Bazelle Partridge (103) and Juniors TJ Mitchell (119) and Joel Smith (140) all took home State Titles this season.   All will be favored to repeat in 2010.  State runner-up C.J. Collins is sure to be on a mission next year after losing a close, controversial decision in the 215 lb. finals. 

Looking to improve on impressive credentials will be State Placer Allen Willard (130), Mac Bennett (4th at 189), Nick Holbert (5th at 171), and Thomas Delain (6th at 285).   Joseph Doyague, a State Qualifier in 2008 will be back in the line-up and is a sure threat to medal next February.

The remaining 2009-10 lineup spots will be filled by members of the state's top JV team. JV King of the Hill champions Doyague, Drew Ferguson, Tyler Kallgren, Bruno Rezende, Josiah Connell, Michael Spikes, Jamie Hertica, Kenny Copeland, and Matt James 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 2008-09 State Champions and farewell to our departing Seniors!