Thompson High School rising junior John Austin (J.A.) Jones represented the Warriors on a national stage July 19 in Fargo, N.D.

Jones faced Ryan Gartner of Wisconsin in the USA Wrestling’s Cadet Greco-Roman Nationals. Jones battled Gartner in the 145-pound final, which was streamed live online.

Jones, who dropped a 6-1 decision to Gartner in the final, won five matches on his way to the title match.

Jones, only the second wrestler ever from the state of Alabama to wrestle in the Greco-Roman Nationals finals, earned four decisions and a pin on his way to the finals.

Jones pinned Jacob Globke of Ohio in 1:14 in a preliminary match. He also earned decisions over Jason Grimes of Georgia, Hans Holkesvik of Iowa, Beau Donahue of Virginia and Aaron Puckett of Kansas in preliminary matches.

Jones also wrestled Travis Curley of Michigan during the Greco-Roman tournament.

Jones finished third in the 145-pound weight division at the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A tournament at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville in Februrary.