Matthew Pitts

Matthew Pitts is considered by many to be the most decorated wrestler in Gordon County’s rich history of the sport.  Pitts was undefeated on the mat as a junior and senior AAA high school wrestler, competing in the 125 lbs. and 130 lbs. classes.  Included in his 88-0 record those two years were 42 wins by pin falls and 19 tech falls.  He was the AAA state champion at both the 125 lbs. weight his junior year and 130 lbs. his senior year.

Pitts received many accolades during his high school wrestling career, including being named “Wrestler of the Year” by several regional newspapers.  He was tournament champion 15 times and voted outstanding overall wrestler in five tournaments.

Matthew was awarded a wrestling scholarship to the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, which is one of the top programs in the country and is considered the premier wrestling colleges in the South.  Here Pitts was recognized as an outstanding college wrestler by being named “Freshman of the Year” by the Southern Conference as well as UTC.  He was a 3x NCAA Division I Qualifier.  Pitts was also a USA Wrestling All-American – University World Team Trials runner-up in 2004.  He graduated from UTC with a Bachelor’s degree and received his teaching certificate.

Pitts was also a standout football and soccer player at Gordon Central, lettering all four years.  He was won the “Golden Helmet” award as well as being named to several all-area teams in both sports.

As a coach, Pitts has seen success at a high level as well; having coached as a head coach at The Baylor School as well as an assistant at Gordon Central and assistant coach at Shorter University, where he helped them become NAIA national champions in 2011.  His youth teams have won many state championships and one of his teams ranked #4 nationally.  He has coached over 40 individual state champions.  He was owned Grindhouse Wrestling School since 2011 and has helped many local athletes improve their wrestling skills.

Pitts was recently named Head Assistant Coach for Reinhart College’s wrestling program.  He is co-owner of Digital Vapor Printing in Calhoun, a designer and producer of athletic apparel and prints.  

Matthew is married to Jill Hale Pitts, originally from Chattanooga, and they reside in Dalton.  He is the son of Walter Pitts, a retired teacher and coach, and Anne Pitts, foster care director for Gordon County.  He has a sister, Betsy Childers and a brother-in-law Aaron Childers.