State of the Program ... Montgomery Bell Academy (TN)
Montgomery Bell Academy (TN)
Head Coach: Patrick Simpson (entering season 3)
Staff: Frank Simpson, Dustin Hedmark, Michael Swett
MBA finished a solid 5th a season ago in the traditional state tournament. This is a team that has a real shot to challenge Baylor, Christian Brothers, Father Ryan, etc. for the top spot this season. MBA qualified 8 a season ago and lose just one - Matthew Hyde - to graduation. The Big Red put two in the finals last year with Gabe Fisher claiming the 220 lb. title and Mac Russ taking 2nd at 145. MBA also put 2 others on the podium … Johnothon Moore was 3rd at 195 and Hudson Frazier was 5th at 113 (Josh Tan also made the podium but isn’t listed as returning). Joining those 5 are Browning Trainer - qualifier at 182 - and Max Fisher who qualified at 285.
With 6 returners, MBA will be in the hunt. Fisher and Russ will lead the way and if the other 6 can make the podium (especially high on the podium) then this team will be in striking distance of a top 2-3 finish. In order to really challenge for the top spot they will need a few others to step up and make some noise. Keep an eye on a pair of freshmen down low in Luke Brock and Luke Johns as well as Michael Golczynski, Gray Blair, Alex Yerbich and senior Ethan Klindt. They should fill in the spots around Hudson Frazier and just before Mac Russ in the lineup. The middle part of the lineup features Claiborne Tompkins, Nathaniel Nelson, Elias Franks, Jake Frazier, Conor Corby, Carson Sberna, and Davis Crawford … locking down the middle between Russ and Browning Trainer will be important to how well MBA does this season. The strength of this lineup is up top. Browning, Jonathan Moore, Gabe Fisher, and Max Fisher should give MBA wins in nearly every dual from 182-285.
“The MBA team has a lot of experience coming back this year. We have some seasoned veterans on the mat, but more importantly, a group of young men who have developed an outstanding team culture. It will be an exciting year watching this team compete.”
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.