Ike Gillentine was the lone Pioneer wrestler to reach the state wrestling tournament in Chattanooga in February.Gillentine, who is like a piece of iron on the wrestling mat, finished 3-3 at the state tournament to earn a sixth-place medal.

“It’s a dream I’ve always wanted to accomplish and I finally did it thanks to two of the best coaches anyone could ask for,” said Gillentine. “They do everything in the world just so I could have this opportunity.”

The two coaches Gillentine refers to are head Pioneer wrestling coach Matt Turner and assistant head coach Robert Piche. Both coaches accompanied Gillentine to Chattanooga and were by his side the entire wrestling season.Gillentine had to work to finish as the No. 6-ranked 195-pound wrestler in the state. He went 3-3 against the best Tennessee high school wrestlers in his third trip to the state tournament. This year was the first time he came home with a medal.

As a team, Pioneer wrestling finished runner-up in the district and fourth in the region.