Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Cook ('15) wins state title in GHSA wrestling
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Cook (’15) wins state title in GHSA wrestling

February 17, 2015 | 903 views

Senior Hayden Cook (center) wins the Class AA State Title at 182 on Saturday in Macon.

Senior Hayden Cook emerged triumphant from a near loss last weekend in Macon, taking home the Class AA 182 championship title at Saturday’s Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Traditional State Wrestling Tournament.

In the moments leading up to the end of the match, the wrestler had been trailing his opponent by one point with 10 seconds left on the clock.

“When I knew I was down, I got to thinking about how disappointed I was wrestling last year and losing by one point. I was not about to let that happen again,” said Cook. “I was going to do whatever it took and push the pace and push the pace to the very end. I refused to lose. I wanted to make my whole family proud.”

Cook’s two-point lead and subsequent win came with about two seconds left in the final round following the successful takedown of his opponent. 

“My coaches have always told me not to give up. Even if there is only one second, don’t give up," said Cook. "You always fight to the very end."

“Hayden’s personal determination is a real testament to his devotion to this sport,” said Bob Stinchcomb, Darlington’s athletic director. “He is not one to throw in the towel, and this incredible win is proof.”

Click here to read the Feb. 15 Rome News-Tribune article about Cook’s state title win.