State of the Program ... Wetumpka (AL)
Wetumpka (AL)
Head Coach: Josh Highland
Wetumpka finished 11th in 2022 - expect that to change in 2023. Wetumpka is loaded from top to bottom and in the new look 6A they should be in the hunt for a top 3-5 finish (they have all of the pieces to make a serious run at the title, but Mortimer Jordan, McAdory, Gardendale and a few others still stand in their way). The Indians return all of their point-getters from last season and add 2x State Placer Ramon Lozada from Elmore County. Chad Strickland, Noah Smith, Willie Cox, and Christian Preston each made the podium last season and each has all of the tools to take the top spot this season. Add in 2x State Placer Ramon Lozada and State Qualifiers Roman McWilliams and Kaleb Robinson and this is a team that can compete with anyone in the state.
Wetumpka will be especially tough from 113-132 where Strickland, Smith, McWilliams, and Lozada could get them 24 points in a dual. Preston and Cox will hold down the top part of the lineup … so that leaves the middle (138-182) … and that is where Wetumpka will either be in the hunt or not. Tyler Mann, Zach Crosthwait, Brantley Woodall, and Melvin Owens will be called on to make an impact … if they do then the sky is the limit for Wetumpka in a very competitive 6A. Keep an eye on Peyton Dickey, Caleb Robinson, Americus Bartee, Ethan Blake, and Ethan Bailey … each will have their opportunity to make an impact in 22-23 as well.
“We have a very solid wrestling room for this upcoming wrestling season. We have everyone coming back from the previous year with a few additions. I expect to have a really good season and make a run for a state title.”
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.