Buford High School’s wrestling team won the GHSA AAAAAA State Duals on Saturday, Jan. 22, sealing its place as the state duals champions for the 2021-2022 season.

In wrestling duals, two teams select their top competitor in each weight class, and the two wrestlers go head-to-head to earn points for their team. The team with the most points wins the dual, and the losing team is knocked out of the competition.

Head wrestling coach Tom Beuglas said some of the team’s top wrestlers were unable to compete earlier in the season because they were busy with other sports. Football in particular tied up a number of the athletes as the Wolves progressed through the state tournament to secure their third consecutive championship title.

“This was the first time all year we had all 14 of our starters in the lineup together,” Beuglas said. 

Many of the returning athletes made it back into the starting lineup just in time to win another championship.

The Wolves opened the day with a 66-15 victory over Lassiter High School. Next, Buford’s wrestling team secured a comfortable 72-6 win against Creekview High School.

The duals final saw the Wolves face off against Valdosta, whom they beat 54-17, securing the state championship title.

“Our guys wrestled tough and represented Buford with class,” Beuglas said.

This marks Buford wrestling’s eighth state championship since 2014 between duals and traditional tournaments.