WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP
In his high school wrestling career, Chi Anderson won nearly 150 matches and placed within the top four of his classification twice. That was more than enough to attract the attention of coaches on the next level, as the senior signed a national letter of intent with Truett McConnell on Friday.
“It’s always special for a guy like Chi who has worked hard to get where he is. It’s exciting to see guys reach this point in their careers,” Greyhounds head coach Adam Gillhouse said. “Chi has been wrestling for most of his life, so he has so much mat experience, and that has provided him with lots of opportunities to be successful.”
Anderson will have the benefit of wrestling fairly close to home as Truett McConnell is located in Cleveland, Ga.
“It’s really exciting, it’s like an overwhelming feeling of excitement because I get to take the gift that God gave me to the next level,” Anderson said.
Anderson’s excitement for what is next goes beyond wrestling. He’s also thrilled to be part of a Bears program that puts a steady focus on spiritual growth, as well.
“I feel like it’s a place where I can also grow academically and spiritually. Of all the colleges that recruited me, they were the only ones pushing spirituality and being able to connect with God. Coach James is big on getting closer to God and putting that in front of your schoolwork and then wrestling,” Anderson said. “I feel like God has given me talent, and I want to wrestle for him and make sure that people see me through him, on and off the mat.”
Anderson wrapped up his Greyhounds career at last month’s state tournament where he finished third, wrapping up his senior season with a 61-6 record and 147-27 in his high school career. A fourthplace state finisher as a sophomore, he was on track to do so again as a junior prior to an injury that cut his season short. Anderson would go on to claim a career best of third in his senior year. His presence alone helped a Greyhounds team all year long as it brought along a handful of younger wrestlers.
Jones County would go on to finish second in the region.
“We knew that more often than not, he’d usually win his match. Having him in the lineup really loosened other guys up,” Gillhouse said. “If things went bad, we knew he’d be able to get a win for us and get momentum.”
TMU competes in the Appalachian Athletic Conference of the NAIA and sent a wrestler to nationals this past season.
“I just want to thank my mom and dad, especially for helping me through my journey in wrestling and life,” Anderson said. “Mama has played a huge, unforgettable role in this sport and in my life; it’s been the same for my dad.”
