CAIRO, Ga. (WALB) - 61 wrestlers across 14 weight classes competed in Cairo’s gymnasium during the Class 3 Area 1 regional championship.

One of the most anticipated matches was in the 190-pound class, where longtime rivals Jakin Ross from Cairo and Bainbridge’s Noah Stutler battled in the regional final. Ross won the match.

“We’ve been rivals since like 8th grade. It’s been back and fourth for us so it’s just been a good friendship,” Ross said.

Ross said winning the region was special, but getting to do it beside his father, who is also Cairo’s assistant coach, made it even better.

“He’s helped me through years of wrestling so to have him here is amazing,” Ross said.

For many athletes, this was their first time winning a region medal.

“It feels good to win. Got bigger over the summer, got tired of getting beat,” said Damarion Leonard of Bainbridge.

For some upperclassmen, a 2026 regional win was another achievement in their wrestling careers.

“Feels good to be back. I wanna be state bound,” said Westover’s Fred Toney.

Several winners said they have bigger goals ahead.

“This feels great but this isn’t my main goal. I’m trying to go win it all and bring a state title home,” said Jordan Lassiter from Westover.

In team results, Cairo finished third, Westover took second, and the Bainbridge Bearcats won first place in the Class 3 Area 1 regional.

The top four wrestlers from each weight class will compete in sectionals on Feb. 7 at Troup County High School.

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