Local wrestlers set to chase state championships

Nine area wrestlers won sectional titles, with 11 others earning state tournament berths

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Nine area wrestlers stood atop the podium at their respective sectional tournaments this weekend, with 11 others also earning berths in the upcoming state championships by placing among the top four competitors in their weight classes. Several local schools, including Summit, Spring Hill, Battle Creek, and Independence, will be sending multiple wrestlers to the state tournament.

Why it matters

High school wrestling is a popular sport in Tennessee, and the state championships are a highly anticipated annual event. The success of local wrestlers at the sectional level indicates strong programs in the area and the potential for them to perform well at the state level.

The details

Summit's Zachery Little, the 2025 Class AA state champion at 150 pounds, won the Section 3-AA 157-pound finals. Spring Hill will send five wrestlers to the Class A state tournament, including Section 3-A champions Kyle Nielsen at 126 pounds, Darian Vera at 138, and Nathan Highland at 165. Summit's Mark Taddeo and Zachery Little each won Section 3-AA tournament titles, while Independence claimed three sectional runners-up.

  • The state tournament competition begins at 9 a.m. Friday at Franklin's Williamson County Ag Expo.
  • The Round of 16, quarterfinal and consolations will take place on Friday, with championship semifinals to follow at 6:30 p.m.
  • Consolations will resume at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the championship finals scheduled for 5 p.m.

The players

Zachery Little

A Summit wrestler who is the 2025 Class AA state champion at 150 pounds and won the Section 3-AA 157-pound finals.

Kyle Nielsen

A Spring Hill wrestler who won the Section 3-A championship at 126 pounds.

Darian Vera

A Spring Hill wrestler who won the Section 3-A championship at 138 pounds.

Nathan Highland

A Spring Hill wrestler who won the Section 3-A championship at 165 pounds.

Mark Taddeo

A Summit wrestler who won the Section 3-AA tournament title.

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What they’re saying

“Nine area wrestlers stood atop the podium at their respective sectional tournaments this weekend, with 11 others also earning berths in the upcoming state championships by placing among the top four competitors in their weight classes.”

— Maurice Patton, Author (mainstreetmediatn.com)

What’s next

The state tournament competition begins at 9 a.m. Friday at Franklin's Williamson County Ag Expo. Round of 16, quarterfinal and consolations will take place, with championship semifinals to follow at 6:30 p.m. Consolations will resume at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the championship finals scheduled for 5 p.m.

The takeaway

The success of local wrestlers at the sectional level demonstrates the strength of high school wrestling programs in the area and the potential for them to perform well at the highly anticipated state championships.