State of the Program ... Chestatee (GA)
Chestatee (GA)
Head Coach: Scott DeGraff II (2 years)
Staff: Carey Whitlow, Jessi Askew, Matthew McClellan
Chestatee finished 6th in the 4A Traditional State Tournament a season ago. With the firepower they have returning they are not only looking to push into the top 5, but also make a run for the top step in 22-23. Chestatee return 4 of the 5 wrestlers that made the podium a year ago as well as both of their other state qualifiers … meaning 6 Eagles will be hunting the podium this season. Chris Pruitt, Daniel Zaleta, Angel Solorzano, and Ely Raines each made the podium in 2022 and each will be looking to finish on the top step in 2023. Alexis Guardado and Bryant Barnes each return after punching their ticket to Macon a year ago … this is an experienced Chestatee squad that has all the makings of a championship team.
The key will be the continued development of Andy Cervantes, TJ Terry, Caysen Goss, Triston Minor, Brenden Carlson and Nate Brazier. Each competed at the sectional tournament a year ago and if Chestatee can get a few of those six or a few others to make an impact … this will be a tough team to beat. Keep an eye on Kadin McDonald, Hector Espinoza, Bryan Silgeuro, Angel Garduno, Ulisses Arellano as well as Peyton Rowe, Kevin Santos, Justus Robinson, and Jarim Valderrama. Chestatee also features 8 freshmen that will look to break into the lineup and make a name for themselves … Brody Burke, Owen Etris, Ben Plemons, Aiden Edwards, Liam Budd, Marcus Quijada, Blake Migalla, and Hayden Sullens. Chestatee has the numbers to compete with anyone … not they need to find the right pieces to the puzzle - if Coach DeGraff and his staff can do that then Chestaee will be in the hunt when we get to the last day of the season.
“We have a very experienced group this year that we are excited about. We have multiple state placers returning as well as many others ready to step into the starting line-up. Our kids have worked extremely hard this off season and are anxious for the season to get started. These wrestlers have bought into what we have been trying to do the last 3 years and we are ready to make some noise in 4A. Couldn’t be more proud of the direction our program headed. Our goal is leave it all out on the mat, one match at a time. If we do that, it should be a fun year!”
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.