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By Ethan Strang

Troup County High School hosted 58 schools Friday night for state wrestling sectionals, making an impact on the economy and giving the school a chance to show off its brand new multipurpose athletic facility.

Some of the schools drove less than an hour, while others had to make a trek of over five hours.

Anthony Edwards brought his team to LaGrange from Banneker High School in College Park. His team was not spending the night and was set to make the hour-long journey back to College Park Friday night before returning to LaGrange early Saturday morning.

Wayne County’s wrestling team made a journey of over four hours to participate in the sectional tournament. The team is staying at the Comfort Inn in LaGrange and heaped praise on Troup County’s facilities.

“It’s amazing, this gym is out of this world,” said Wayne County head wrestling coach Thomas Swilley.

Clarke Central of Athens braved a journey through Atlanta traffic to make it to Troup County. They booked rooms at the Baymont Hotel and were spending the night in LaGrange. Clarke Central Wrestling head coach Shane McCord also heaped praise on the facilities at Troup County.

“The facilities are great, some of the best in the state right now,” he said.

The praise did not stop there as he was very appreciative of Troup County Wrestling Head Coach Drew Garner and the help he provided in getting the tournament set up.

“The head coach for Troup County did a great job sending information about hotels and sending us rates,” McCord said.

“It was really easy finding a spot close to the school.”

Unfortunately, hotels got booked up a few weeks ago, and it was not so easy for everybody to find a hotel.

“One of the coaches from West Laurens called and said everything is sold out in town,” Troup County Athletic Director Andrew Calhoun said. “The closest hotel he could find was in Alabama.”