After appearing in the 2024 TSSAA state competition, Bearden wrestlers Taylor Clifford and Sadie Somerville are hopeful that an impressive senior year leads to even more success at the end of the 2025 season.
Despite several unforeseen cancellations, Clifford and Somerville have built quite the resume. With recent podium finishes at the 2025 Halls invitational, Clifford with a second place finish and Somerville coming in third, the wrestlers’ reputation is felt district-wide.
“Reputation plays a big part in wrestling,” Somerville said. “We have to use it to our advantage.”
The road leading to state consists of a top four finish at the regional competition Thursday, followed by the same at the sectional competition. Having a state appearance prior instills the confidence in both wrestlers that they can repeat the achievement.
The seniors take pride in the countless hours spent training in preparation for state level recognition. This being said, the frequent practices aren’t taken for granted because they are spent with good company.
“It’s a lot of work, but we always have fun hanging out together,” Somerville said.
Nevertheless, the desire for perfection has provoked the mutual feeling that the work is not yet complete.
“We’re at the point in the season where we need to focus on ourselves,” Somerville said.
Added Clifford: “We need to apply what we do in practice to our matches, to set ourselves up for success.”
Aside from reputation and work ethic, both wrestlers admire the close-knit community fostered through the Bearden wrestling program.
“We’re one big family,” Clifford said.
Added Somerville: “We always cheer for one another. We aren’t the biggest team but we’re known for being the loudest.”