State of the Program ... Hillcrest (SC)
Hillcrest (SC)
Head Coach: Anthony Esposito (2 years)
Staff: Austin Weathers
Last season was a tale of missed opportunities. The Rams lost in the 5A Dual final to Ashley Ridge by a point and then took 2nd to that same Ashley Ridge squad by 5.5 at the traditional state tournament. Both titles were within the sights of a Senior led group of hammers. Hillcrest will look to some new faces in 2022-23 to step up and replace the outgoing crop of seniors that enjoyed much success over the last four years. Seven of the Rams eight state qualifiers and more than 100 points graduated with Thomas Snipes, Jackson Harms, Jacoreyn Byrd, and others.
2022 State Runner-up Hunter Jagodzinski returns and will be counted on to lead the way in 22-23. Austin Kilgore, Kaden McDonald, and Parker Cheely each wrestled in the Upperstate Tournament a season ago and each will be counted on to join Jagodzinski in making a run for the podium this season. Keep an eye on Coby Cortese, Asahi Lomax, Jace Mann, and Donavan Briggs as they will look to make an impact this season as well. The Rams have looked to Snipes, Harms, etc. for years … now it is time for the next group to step up and make their mark.
“Over the past few years we have created a buzz in the school where a lot of kids want to wrestle or come to matches. We’ve given out enough gear that student’s who don’t wrestle still support us and our brand. We expect to have well attended duals and we expect a lot of growth from our young guys. A few guys look to be back from injuries at the right time, therefore we are excited for their progress. We think we can compete. Our young guys are eager. Should be fun.”
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.