Renee Roissier Miller

Miller, Dailey fall short of title in state wrestling championship

Two Greenback wrestlers were on the brink of a state championship Saturday afternoon, but both came up just short. Tyler Dailey and Jeremy Miller competed in the 2010 United States Marine Corps Wrestling Championships held at the Williamson Co. Expo Center in Franklin, but neither was able to claim gold. Miller, a junior who won the state title during his eighth grade year, lost a 2-0 decision to Independence junior Brennen Cox in the 145-pound weight class. Miller had won his previous matches in the tournament with virtual ease, defeating Tim Vara in the first round by pinfall in 2:39 and then winning a 6-0 decision over Zach Bennett in the second round. Miller progressed to pin Kyle Hughes in one minute and then dispatched Curtis Flanagan in 28 seconds. However, the Cherokee junior finished as the runner up for the second consecutive year. He has also earned a third place finish in 2008, along with his state title in the 103-pound weight class in 2007. Dailey, a senior, fell by a 9-1 M.D. to Mt. Juliet senior Hunter Allen in the 285-pound weight class. Like Miller, Dailey enjoyed a strong showing in his previous four matches. The Cherokee senior pinned Stephen Jackson in 1:10 in the first round and won a 5-2 decision against Taylor Bain in the second. He went on to pin Wilfred Morrison in 3:25 and then won a 1-0 decision over Josh Barnette to reach the championship round. Allen finished in third place in the 285-pound weight class last year, but Dailey had not placed previously.

Published: 02/23/2010   Source: News-Herald