Pisgah wrestling has once again proven why they're among the elite in Western North Carolina, earning top honors at the 64th Annual Western North Carolina Sports Awards Banquet. Held at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn on Sunday night, the team was named the region's top male Olympic sport team in Division I—a fitting cap to what many are calling one of the most unforgettable seasons in recent Haywood County high school sports history.

"It was really just kind of an awesome moment," said Pisgah Coach Ryan Gibson. "It was one of those ones where you just kind of sit back, and you go, 'Man, what a group of kids.'"

Competing against Enka wrestling and A.C. Reynolds cross country for the award, Pisgah's dominance was undeniable. "What that group's done is very satisfying, because they deserve it. It's not about the coaches. It's all about the kids and what they do and what they accomplish," Gibson added. "It was awesome just to see other people recognize that."

The Bears' 2023-2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. For the second consecutive year, they captured the Western Region title in the dual team wrestling tournament and finished as state runners-up, posting an impressive 27-2 record as a dual team. But the accolades didn't stop there—Pisgah also claimed the individual state team championship, sending six wrestlers to state final matches. Seniors Landon Pope and Kail Burnette each brought home individual state titles, cementing their legacies as champions.

"That's a group of winners, and they wanted to win. That's what drove them—they wanted to be successful," Gibson said.

Much of the credit goes to a standout senior class that dedicated four years to building something special. "We always stressed that the toughest battles were in that room. Nobody knows what those kids put in that room," Gibson noted. He went on to call this group one of the most special he's coached in his 19-year tenure with Pisgah wrestling. "You dream of a group of kids, or groups of kids, like we've had in the last couple years, to just totally change the face of your program, to flip you in the direction where you want to be. That's this group."

Over the past four years, the seniors have been a powerhouse, amassing a staggering 120-8 record in dual team matches. Their trophy case includes four-time conference dual team and individual tournament team champions, two-time west region individual tournament champs with two runner-up finishes, and two-time dual-team west region champions. "The group before them set the stage, and these guys were able to do it," Gibson reflected.

For fans of Pisgah wrestling—and high school sports in general—this recognition is a testament to the grit, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines champions. Whether you're a seasoned wrestler or just love the sport, the Bears' story is one for the history books.