December 10, 2025 — Participation in wrestling has surged to record levels in the 2020s, according to research conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations. This growth is also reflected in Cobb's wrestling programs, particularly Girls Wrestling. This week's Athletes of the Week (AOW) are wrestlers from Kell and Pope.
Each week, with the support of BSN Sports, Cobb Athletics celebrates student-athletes who inspire and excel in their sports, academics, and communities. The AOW honors go to Vinson Butler of Kell High School and Lillian Malloy of Pope High School for their achievements in the classroom and on the mat.
Vinson Butler, Wrestling, Kell
A four-year wrestler for the Longhorns, Vinson is looking to build on his success from last season when he qualified for the state individual tournament. The senior 144-pound wrestler is cutting weight to go down a weight class, but still beating opponents much heavier than him, as his coach Cristopher Houston, explains:
"At the Westminster meet, they sent the wrong wrestler out, who was in a heavier weight class. Vinson weighed in at 137, and they sent their 150-pounder out to face him. He ended up beating him despite the huge weight advantage," Coach Houston said.
In addition to his prowess on the mat, Vinson is a leader and wants to advance the sport and teach others to love it, too.
"He can be trusted to lead a practice for the novice and intermediate wrestlers, and he represents a leader that all other wrestlers can look up to," Coach Houston continued. "He is a natural leader who motivates other students with his high level of compassion. He cheers for all his teammates and leads by example. He truly cares about the wholeness of our team."
Coach Houston’s praise underscores why Vison is an Athlete of the Week.
"Vinson serves as a team captain in more ways than one. He was the first wrestler on the team to make a lower weight class in order to be more competitive. He will recruit students in the school to join our team when we have a need. We can expect a top-three finish from him at whichever tournament we attend. Vinson Butler is a wrestler that any coach and team would like to have because he is a positive contributor to the atmosphere of the wrestling practice or competition," concluded Coach Houston proudly about his team's Athlete of the Week.
Lillian Malloy, Wrestling, Pope
A fearless and dominant force on the mat for the Lady Greyhounds, Lillian has been wrestling for five years. In addition to competing for Pope, she also wrestles year-round for Team Georgia. She recently placed first at the Sequoyah Invitational and is ranked in the top three in the state for her weight class. Although only a sophomore, Lillian is an unselfish leader for the team and works hard to motivate and encourage her teammates.
"Lillian is an outstanding young leader in our wrestling program," said Pope Athletic Director Josh Mathews. "She strives to be one of the top wrestlers in the state, but also performs at a high level in the classroom. Our girls wrestling program continues to improve because of individuals like Lillian, who give of their time and talent without hesitation."
That respect for Lillian’s leadership is shared across the entire program.
"She is always very willing to help and work with our new and inexperienced wrestlers on the team," agreed Pope Head Coach Gerald Climmons. "She is a good student and leads by example. She is also viewed very highly by her teammates and peers in the classroom. Lillian is a vital part of our team, and she contributes by leading practices and demonstrating skills and techniques to help her teammates improve and learn."
Great job, Vinson and Lillian! Best of luck as you both pursue success on the mat and make a run for the state championship in February. Thank you for supporting these exceptional student-athletes, Kell and Pope!
