State of the Program - Hillcrest (SC)
Coaching Staff:
Austin Weathers (12th overall, 4th year at Hillcrest, 1st year as Hillcrest head coach)
Jordan Hawthorne
Gustavo Martinez-Salas
Eyan McKnight
Gabriel Barahona
2023 Recap:
Lost to Ft Mill in the 2nd round of the Dual State Tournament
Individuals:
Coby Cortese - SQ at 120
Parker Cheely - SQ at 138
Graduated:
Hunter Jagodzinski - SQ at 152
Austin Kilgore - 4th at 160
2023-2024
Returners (Grade):
126-132 Coby Cortese (11th)
132-138 Hudson Aponte (11th)
138-144 Nathan Jagodzinski (10th)
144-150 Parker Cheely (12th)
150-157 Hunter Algood (12th)
165-175 Tyler Strickland (12th)
175-190 Vladden Schwartzman (12th)
190-215 DJ Henderson (11th)
285 Donovan Briggs (11th)
The Rams return a senior-heavy group that is looking to make run at a 5A title after losing to eventual dual champions Ft Mill in the second round in 2023. Coby Cortese and Parker Cheely both qualified a year ago and both will look to climb onto the podium in 2024. The key for Coach Weathers and the success of this year’s Rams squad comes from the rest of the lineup. Hudson Aponte, Tyler Strickland, and Donovan Briggs all competed at the Upper State Tournament in 2023 and they will be called on to make an impact in 2024. Each went 2-2 and just missed punching their ticket … each will look to take care of that in 2024. Nathan Jagodzinski, Hunter Algood, Vladden Schwartzman, and DJ Henderson all return as well … Henderson is a monster on the football field - so it will be interesting to see his development in his second year on the mat. Keep an eye on Bradley Groh, RC Curry, Christian Buss as well as a bunch of others that will look to break into the lineup and make a name for themselves this coming season. - SEWrestle