State of the Program ... Russell County (AL)
Russell County (AL)
Head Coach: Eric Chamberlain (Year 5)
Staff: Terry Long, Frank Saunders, Chris Moore
Russell County makes the move to 6A in the re-designed Alabama classification in 2022-23. The team finished 38th in a combined 5A-6A last year, but with the split to separate classes and the return of both Avery Boyette and Owen Elledge - the Warriors are looking to push into a top 15 finish in 2023. Coach Chamberlain not only returns 2022 State Qualifiers Boyette and Elledge, but also returns a ton of others with post-season experience.
Jaivan Bracey, Julian Anthony, Dan Bulens, Michael Williams, and Devin Neal all return and each will look to take that next step and punch their ticket to Huntsville this season. Keep an eye on Bracey’s young brother Ah’Mir Bracey who could fit into the Warrior lineup and make some noise down at 106. Another name to watch is Senior Keshaun Paulk who could make an impact at 195 for the Warriors as well. With the return of Boyette and Elledge - Russell County will be better in 2022-23, but how high they climb as a team likely come down to how well the rest of the lineup comes together around them.
“We are looking at having the best dual team our school has had since 2005 with a complete lineup and experienced wrestlers at every weight class. 11 weight classes have a wrestler that has competed at least 3 years or more. Avery Boyette and Owen Elledge are both competitive to earn a State Title at their respective weight classes.”
NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.