MHS Wrestling: Farmer caps off senior season with state title

Team FYN Sports

Murphy High School is known for having quality academics and talented athletes.  With a decorated history of state champions in literally every sport but hockey, this past weekend another Murphy athlete brought yet another state championship back to the Dawg House.  And if you’re scratching your head – no, Murphy doesn’t have a hockey team – but if they did, the Bulldogs would probably find a way to win at that, too.

Cory Farmer, a senior at Murphy High School, won the 1A NCHSAA State Championship this weekend. Photo courtesy of MHS Wrestling and Brandy Farmer, photographer.

TeamFYNSports has the pleasure of tracking and covering athletic performances throughout nine North Georgia counties and Cherokee Co, NC.  While we interact with coaches, athletes, and college scouts on a daily basis, the best part of our job lies in the opportunity to highlight young athletes in a positive way.  Thankfully there’s a 195-lb senior at MHS that made our job a whole lot easier this week.

Cory Farmer could be seen making big hits on the football field earlier in the school year.  The veteran middle linebacker was the heart of what many would argue was one of the very best defenses in the state of North Carolina.  When his high school football career ended, he transitioned from knocking people down at the line of scrimmage to throwing them and pinning them on the wrestling mats.

Photo courtesy of MHS Wrestling and Brandy Farmer, photographer.

A natural athlete, Farmer is no stranger to hard work.  He put in countless hours of training with MHS head coach Daniel Ledford, his father Josh Farmer, and his teammates; learning and working within one of the most decorated high school wrestling programs in all of Western North Carolina (not to mention North Georgia and Eastern Tennessee).

Last year, Farmer was the state runner-up.  Just two weeks ago, he finished third at the regional tournament.  Winning state was never a guarantee.

At the 1A NCHSAA state wrestling tournament, Farmer’s resume was as impressive as his humble – yet hungry attitude.  He came in with 24 wins and only two losses this season, and opened Day One with a big win over Dylan Jones (32-11), who nearly finished 3rd overall.  Jones, a senior at Uwharrie Charter, lost the battle for 3rd place by a 2-0 decision from Farmer’s next victim (Edwards, EASU).

After defeating Jones in just two minutes and 39 seconds, Farmer locked up with top-seeded junior Mitchell Edwards of East Surry.  Edwards also had only two losses coming into state, and had 28 wins to his merit.  Farmer won a 3-2 decision in one of the most exciting matches of the entire event, advancing to the championship final.

Farmer went on to defeat senior Jonathan Zafra of Manteo with a 12-3 majority decision to claim the state championship crown.

“It feels real good and it’s a relief after being runner up last year,” Farmer told TeamFYNSports Sunday afternoon.

We asked if he was considering wrestling at the college level next year.  “I’m not sure yet, but I have a few offers,” Farmer replied.  With his skillset and his work ethic, we look forward to reporting in the future on Farmer’s final decision after high school.

All photos courtesy of Murphy High School Wrestling and Brandy Farmer, contributing photographer.

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