State of the Program ... Signal Mountain (TN)
Signal Mountain (TN)
Head Coach: Houston Clements (entering 2nd year)
Staff: Dean Clements (2nd Year), Matthew Cate (2nd Year), Brian Beasley (1st Year, former head coach at Chattooga where he won a state title in 2020), Paul Shriner (3rd year), Joe Jellison (11th year)
It will be tough to top what Signal Mountain did a season ago, but this is a group that has all the talent in the world and should be in the hunt once again in 2023. The Eagles claimed the A duals title and finished 2nd to a very tough Greeneville squad at the traditional state tournament. They graduated State Runner-up Noah Shriner, but return every other state point-getter including State Champs Ethan and Caleb Uhorchuk as well as State Runner-up Jojo Uhorchuk. Down low there might not be a better trio in the southeast and the three Uhorchuk’s should lead the way for the Eagles in 22-23. But you don’t win team titles on three hammers alone.
Greeneville also returns a very good lineup so for the Eagles to climb onto the top spot in duals (again) as well as at the traditional state tournament they will need Cole Jenkins and Jackson Davis to be in the hunt for a spot high on the podium as well. Both return after claiming wins at the state tournament a year ago. Add in returning State Qualifiers Ian Bryant and Jaxon Quails and Signal Mountain will be tough to beat in 7 of the 14 weights. Daniel Odom and Jackson Owens will play a huge role if the Eagles are to climb to the top … both have the ability to make their mark in 22-23. Keep an eye on Eben Shriner, Jacob Winchester, and Brandon Clifford … as well as incoming hammer Luke Higdon. Don’t be surprised if Shriner, Winchester, Clifford, and Higdon are called on to make an impact this season.
“We return 12 of 14 starters from last year’s State Championship team and 9 of those guys won 25+ matches last season. This is a tight-knit, battle tested team that trains together year around with one goal—to repeat as champions. The Uhorchuk brothers—Caleb (West Point commit), Ethan, and JoJo—who are all NHSCA All-Americans will again lead the way for us this year. I also expect Jackson Davis, Cole Jenkins, and Ian Bryant who were all state qualifiers to be in the hunt for individual titles this season. Daniel Odom and Jackson Owens both won 30+ matches last year despite battling through injuries and are guys to keep eyes on, too. This team built on toughness, thrives under the bright lights, and has the potential to be the best group to ever come through the school. Signal Mountain wrestling fans should be excited. It is truly an honor to serve as this program’s head coach.”
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.