Vidalia Indian Wrestlers Rewrite Record Books at State Meet

History was rewritten this past week at the GHSA State Wrestling Traditional Tournament. The Vidalia High School wrestling program saw its athletes deliver standout individual performances on Georgia’s biggest stage, bringing home hardware and setting new milestones.

Girls

Leading the charge was sophomore Messiah Salem, who etched her name into the school record books. She officially became the first female wrestler in Vidalia history to medal at the State Tournament. Competing in the 130-pound weight class, Salem battled her way to a thirdplace finish. In a bracket filled with the best competition the state has to offer, she displayed grit, composure, and relentless determination.

Her ability to stay poised in high-pressure moments defined her tournament run. She proved she belongs among the elite and set a new standard for the girls' program.

Boys

On the boys' side, senior Alexander Muzafarov capped off his high school career with a strong fourth-place finish at 157 pounds. His leadership and consistency anchored the lineup throughout the season.

Muzafarov showed tremendous heart fighting through the wrestle-backs to secure his medal, ensuring his time at Vidalia ended on the podium.

Joining him was junior Cayleb Sanford, who also earned a fourth-place finish in the 165-pound division. Sanford’s physicality and determination were on full display throughout the weekend.

His performance proved he is one of the top juniors in Georgia. It sets high expectations for his senior campaign as he looks to lead the team next year.

These individual triumphs reflect the dedication of the athletes and the guidance of the coaching staff.

The program expressed deep gratitude to youth coach Sam Sapp, middle school coaches Gray Meredith and Bryant Blount, and the high school boys' staff of Steve Fullam, Alex Pollock, and Nate Pristavec.

On a side note about this season, Head Coach Bobby Blount said, “For 22 years, my family has sacrificed so I could pour into other people’s kids through this sport. Long nights., long bus rides, missed dinners, weekend tournaments, they’ve carried the weight right along with me.

“But this year was different. This year, my wife stepped in and became the women’s wrestling coach at Vidalia. She didn’t just support from the stands — she stepped onto the mat.

'Watching her learn the lingo, the vocabulary, the positions, the strategy, hearing her talk about shots, tilts, and mat returns like she’s been around it forever — it’s been one of the coolest experiences of my career. What a year it has been!

“I’ve always known how strong she is, but seeing her invest in these young ladies, build relationships, and help make history for our program has meant more to me than I can put into words.

'Coaching is a family sacrifice. This year, it was a family mission. I’m beyond thankful.”