(Contributed/Waldrop Photography) Pieter Clark works to make the first pin of James Clemens High School's inaugural season. (Contributed by Waldrop Photography)

The James Clemens High School Jets wrestling team won their first match against Lee-Huntsville in a 44-22 shootout at a dual-match held at James Clemens Tuesday night.

“Our first victory against Lee-Huntsville was a great stepping stone for the program,” said Joel Loudon, the head wrestling coach of the Jets. The Jets lost their second matchup in a 36-36 tie with Athens High, in which the Golden Eagles were able to secure the win through tie-breaking criteria.

“The 2012-2013 inaugural year brings a solid core of wrestlers including Austin Clark, Ryan Stenger, Landon Edwards, and Colton Williams,” said Joel Loudon.

Joel Loudon is a former University of Tennessee wrestler.

“I think overall we wrestled tough,” Jets assistant coach Justin Loudon said. “The older kids brought their ‘A’ game, and the younger kids now know what they have to work on.  Overall it’s a learning experience, and we will only get better from here.” Justin Loudon attended Loch Haven University.

Pieter Clark logged James Clemens’ first individual win and the first pin by a Jet wrestler into the James Clemens sports history books.

Two seniors, 120-pound Austin Clark and 220-pound Ryan Stenger, lead the inaugural Jets wrestling team. Both went undefeated Wednesday night with Clark scoring two falls collectively in less than 30 seconds.

“Austin Clark brings the experience and leadership skills any coach would love to have on his team,” Joel Loudon said. “Austin was a state placer last year.”

Stenger was a state runner-up in last year’s 220-pound state finals.
There was no shortage of Jet courage displayed by the new team. The 170-pound Landon Edwards jumped up a weight class and scored a fall against Athens 180-pound senior Rob Morse.

“Landon Edwards was impressive going 2-0 against a tough competition and pinning both,” Joel Loudon said.

Austin Clark’s younger brother 138-pound Peiter Clark is proving to be a vital young wrestler. Peiter Clark went 1-1, losing to Athens 7-8.

“Clemens wrestling is going to be a great addition to the Madison city school system,” Joel Loudon said.