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By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

Kullum Irvin is aiming high.

Irvin, a junior member of the Troup High wrestling team, has big plans for this season, and he showed what he’s capable of by capturing the top spot in his weight class in the Gary Silva Invitational last week at Gardner Newman Middle School.

Also last week, Irvin competed in a tournament at Rockmart, and he wrestled his way to a second-place finish.

After strictly competing in dual-format events before last week, Irvin enjoyed being able to compete for an individual medal.

“It was fun,” Irvin said. “I was looking forward to competing in a traditional meet, just getting my name out there. I’m not the same wrestler I was last year. I’m way better than I was last year. Just technique-wise, I’m doing a lot more things. It’s quicker and easier, and I’m sharper.”

Irvin, who was a defensive back on the football team that reached the state playoffs, made it to the state sectional as a sophomore last season after finishing fourth in the area tournament.

As one of the veterans in the wrestling room, Irvin is embracing his role as a team leader.

“I’m trying to get everybody better, get everybody on the same page,” Irvin said. “Once we get everybody on the same page, we’re going to be great.”

Another Troup wrestler who earned a first-place medal last week was Franklin Jackson, who took top honors in the 132-pound weight class at the Silva tournament.

Jackson followed that up by placing second at the Rockmart tournament.

“It was fun to get to work for myself (in a traditional tournament),” Jackson said. “I’d say it’s more nerve-wracking than a duals, because everything’s on you.”

Jackson has been putting in the work in the practice room, and that effort paid dividends last week.

“It’s nice to get something out of what you put in,” Jackson said.

Three other Troup wrestlers also placed last week.

Brayden Hutchins (120 pounds) was second in the Silva tournament, and third at Rockmart.

Braxton Truitt (285 pounds) was second at the Silva tournament, and Averett Ellison (106 pounds) was third at the Silva tournament, and fourth at Rockmart.

Troup will participate in a traditional-format tournament at Callaway on Saturday.

SILVA 

INVITATIONAL

TROUP PLACERS

1st – Franklin Jackson (132 pounds)

1st – Kullum Irvin (152 pounds)

2nd – Brayden Hutchins (120 pounds)

2nd – Braxton Truitt (285 pounds)

3rd – Averett Ellison (106 pounds)

ROCKMART 

INVITATIONAL

TROUP PLACERS

2nd – Franklin Jackson (132 pounds)

3rd – Kullum Irvin (152 pounds)

3rd – Brayden Hutchins (120 pounds)

4th – Averett Ellison (106 pounds)