THOMASVILLE- Thomas County Central’s first-year girls wrestling team enjoyed a strong area tournament last Friday.

Central finished 11th out of 32 teams at the tournament, while competing with only seven girls. Freshman Stella Harper finished second in the 115-pound weight class, while senior Emma Brumbley placed fourth in the 145-pound weight class. The duo qualified for sectionals scheduled for Friday at Houston County High School.

Central wrestling coach Matt Tanner was extremely pleased with his team’s performance.

“We have had a great time coaching them,” Tanner said. “Stella has been with us since she was little, but all the rest are brand new, and we only had one senior. They all learned fast, are coachable and tough as nails. We had a couple more that we thought should have qualified but inexperience in some situations cost them against more experienced girls. They will be tough again next year. I’m very proud of them.”