MACON, Ga. — A Jefferson wrestler is out of surgery after suffering a broken neck during Thursday night’s opening day of the 2025 GHSA Traditional State Wrestling Tournament at the Macon Centreplex.
The Dragons’ Dominic Haines was competing in the 144-pound weight class in the quarterfinal round against Gilmer's Domingo Velasquez when the injury occurred. He was life-flighted to Arthur Blank Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Jefferson wrestling coach Kyle Baird provided an update early Friday morning.
“He was out of surgery this morning, but everything went well. They said they won’t know much until the next 24 to 48 hours or more,” Baird said. “There’s a lot of swelling, and it can take a bit to go down. They’re not sure how much, if any, feeling he’ll regain, but they’re hopeful since the spinal cord is intact, and they were able to align his spine to take the pressure off it.
“His father said he was shrugging his shoulders before the surgery, so there were some positive things. But he’s going to be there for a while, I’m sure.”
Baird also thanked all the well-wishers who reached out to him and the Haines family.
“I am so impressed with the amount of love and support the wrestling community has shown this family,” he said. “This is more than wrestling; it's life and a kid’s future. Keep him in your prayers.”
A GoFundMe page was started for the family, with an initial goal set for $60,000.
"There have already been a lot of people helping out his family, and we appreciate that," Baird said. "They're going to need all the support we can give them."
The traditional tournament resumes today in Macon, and the girls hold their tournament in the morning. The boys will be back in action in the afternoon.
Baird said his team, which was leading the Class 3A field after Thursday’s action, has a new sense of purpose heading into today’s final rounds.
“It’s tough to go back out there, but the guys have something extra to wrestle for now,” he said. “We’re going to go out there and try to honor Dominic the best we can.”
