A Strong Foundation Since 1973

The Shelbyville Central High School Wrestling Program began in 1973 with nearly fifty athletes joining on the very first day of practice. The program quickly gained momentum, winning four district championships within its first five years. Early standout wrestlers included Tommy Gilmore, Tommy Simmons, and Jerry Parker, who became SCHS’s first state runner-up in 1980. Throughout the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, SCHS consistently produced region champions, state qualifiers, and several medalists.

A Tradition of Excellence

Wrestling became one of the most spirited sports at SCHS. The program was known for full weight-class rosters, strong community support, and annual tournaments that attracted teams from across the state. SCHS continued to build its legacy with athletes such as Tommy Elmore (1976 medalist), Jermain Parsons and Corey Ewing (1993 medalists), and later, a new generation who kept the program competitive through the early 2000s.

A Historic First for SCHS

In 2024, SCHS celebrated a milestone when wrestler Logan McBee became the first state champion in school history. His accomplishment marked a new chapter for the program and highlighted the potential of today’s athletes.

The Growth of Girls Wrestling

For the first time ever, SCHS launched an official girls wrestling program during the 2024–2025 season. Fourteen girls joined the team in its inaugural year—an unusually strong start for a new program. The team finished the season with twelve wrestlers, one in each weight class, and placed 3rd in both the regional dual and sectional traditional championships.

Girls State Qualifiers (2025):

• Calli Ziegler

• Nevaeh Pruett

• Mariah Gordon

• Natalia Allen

The boys team also advanced three wrestlers to the sectional tournament:
Nate Zimmerman, Josiah Gutierrez, and Korsten Saldatkov.

Today, SCHS has 15 girls and 24 boys on the roster, demonstrating rapid growth and strong student interest.

Leadership on the Mat

Team Captains

Boys Captains:

• Josiah Gutierrez

• Caleb Keller

• Kissac Rowe

Girls Captains:

• Alora Harden

• Nevaeh Pruett

• Calli Ziegler

These athletes lead with integrity, teamwork, and commitment, helping build a strong culture within both programs.

The Return of Wrestling Cheer

After nearly 20 years, SCHS has revived its wrestling cheer program—now renamed The Hype Squad. Instead of the traditional “mat maids,” the new team focuses on supporting wrestlers through energy, encouragement, and game-day atmosphere.

The Hype Squad’s presence boosts morale, reinforces team confidence, and adds excitement to home and away matches. Their involvement offers leadership opportunities, builds school pride, and strengthens the connection between athletes and the SCHS community.

Values That Define SCHS Wrestling

• Hard Work: Wrestling demands exceptional conditioning and discipline.

• Consistency: SCHS has historically filled every weight class—showing strong commitment across the team.

• Community Pride: Wrestling continues to be a sport that brings SCHS students, alumni, and families together.

• Leadership: Athletes develop resilience, teamwork, and character on and off the mat.

• Tradition: From 1973 to today, wrestling remains one of SCHS’s longest-standing athletic legacies.

Looking Ahead

Head Coach Zachariyeh Rudas leads both the boys and girls programs with a vision of building a sustainable, championship-level team in southern Middle Tennessee. His goals include:

• Strengthening both programs’ depth and skill

• Continuing to grow girls wrestling

• Developing leaders who represent SCHS with pride

• Honoring the program’s history while raising its competitive standard

With growing rosters, rising talent, and renewed school spirit, SCHS Wrestling is entering one of its strongest eras yet. The future of the program is bright—and the legacy continues.