Three local youth wrestlers earned themselves national recognition after a first-place finish at the Nuway National Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Eli "Baby Atlas" Franklin, Prince "The Fresh Prince" Collins and Mario "Super Mario" Ratliff represented Lexington’s Mighty Warriors Wrestling Academy at the event and brought home a national title after beating their competition. 

Devin "Shaggy" Lirgg also traveled to the competition with the group and finished in fourth for his weight class in the high school division. 

Franklin took a national championship in the 46-pound novice 6U division. Collins was named a national champion in 6U division, winning the 58-pound title. Ratliff earned a national championship after winning the 95-pound division in Novice 12U. 

Lirgg finished fourth in the high school 138-pound division. Lirigg was also the runner-up in the 4A 138-pound weight class at the SCHSL state championships in February. 

The team also came away with six All-American honors. Two wrestlers received double All-American selections. Franklin and Rtliff were also part of a Michigan dual meet team that won the 6U Nuway National Championship. 

These wrestlers train three days, honing their craft under the guidance of head coach Kevin Emily.