Wrestling

Wrestler Jae T. Thaxton signs

Grappler signs with Lincoln Memorial University

Jae T. Thaxton with family and coaches at his scholarship signing.

By LINDA ANN McDONALD Correspondent

Wakulla War Eagle Wrestler Jae T. Thaxton signed with Lincoln Memorial University on Tuesday, May 23rd.
Thaxton’s outstanding wrestling statistics consisted of 163 career wins which included almost doubling the school’s previous record of 15 tech calls to the new high of 27, 61 wins and 3 losses for the entire season and placed 7th in the State Tournament. Finishing his Senior Year with a 3.83 GPA, the road to success with Lincoln Memorial University is already underway.
Additional achievements for Jae T. include being active with the school’s band for 4 years,  ROTC for 2 years and A/B honor roll through out middle and high school. Thaxton plans on pursuing his academic career in mathematics.
Head Coach Will Pafford said, “It was a pleasure to coach such and amazing kid and student athlete.” Wakulla High’s Principal Michele Falk said, “I have known Jae T. since he was young, he has always been a great athlete, he is a coachable athlete and great to work with.” She added, “I have watched him improve his work ethic from his first year of wrestling up until his last match.”
Cole Baggett, former star War Eagle wrestler, now a student of University of Florida and cheerleader for the college, said, “I have known Jae T. my entire life.  We used to wrestle every day in practice and wrestle against each other in competition. Jae T. is a hard worker in and out of the wrestling ring.”
When asked about advancing to the next level after graduation, Jae T. Thaxton said, “It feels great I am making my family proud, and I am doing the right thing. It is great to put in the hard work and see the results.” He also said, “I want to be a role model for my 2 younger brothers, and I want to thank my sister Lora for the endless emotional support.”
Thaxton said, “I want to thank both my parents equally for not letting me quit when I was younger. They helped keep my goal in sight through the wins and the losses.” Jae T. jokingly added: “I want to thank my younger brothers for the never-ending wrestling matches and never-ending fun.”
“I will definitely take Wakulla County with me to the next level and I will take a little bit of the county with me wherever I go,” Thaxton said.