02/28/2026
Historical Season for the LIONS
In the sport of wrestling, programs and teams find ways to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones, but nothing compares to finishing the season on top of the State podium. Boyd is relatively young in terms of state wrestling history, with progress made each year. Last season Boyd waited nearly 50 years- to have a state placer, and in 2026 we add 3 MORE!!!!!
Introducing your 2026 STATE PLACERS!
132- Bentley Brown- your region 8 champion, entered the tournament- as one of our long standing varsity starters with over 175 career wins. As a senior, a wrestler who has been the epitome of hard work, deserved his moment! Pulling off two upsets in the first 3 rounds, Bentley found himself in the State Semis! One of only 4 wrestlers to reach this feat in school history! Bentley would go on to finish 6th this year, making him one of the best at 132 in Kentucky!
150- Chase Gillum- another region 8 champion, who had earned his way to the top - as one of the most touted wrestlers in the division for 2026. Chase started hot, dominating his way through to the Semis, also making him one of 4 wrestlers to reach this milestone. After taking a tough loss in the Semis, Chase was determined to prove a point. In decisive fashion, Chase finished the season 3rd at 150lbs, the highest finish in program history.
165- Tony Leader- 3x REGION CHAMP! Without question, Boyd County’s most decorated wrestler, coming into the state tournament, with only 1 loss! If arguments could ever be made over the need for seeding your state tournament - this was the bracket. Tony pinned his way to the Quarters- meeting #1 Micah Thompson- a match that should have been your 165 Finals. Tony would fall in OT, before returning and bettering his state placement, with a 3rd place finish- making him a 2X time Kentucky State Placer, 200+ career wins, and the highest finish in program history!
A complete team effort this seasons- as your LIONS finish 12th out of 113, 5th overall in class 2A. Our program is better because of these young men, and a program of established foundation, culture, and WINNING is now the STANDARD for Boyd County Wrestling!
