By this time - many of you have seen that we are doing highlights of different teams across the SE as we gear up to drop the team previews in 6 weeks. I was releasing one team a day, but with now over 170 teams having sent in information - I’ll try to ramp it up a bit so we can get as many in as possible before the first part of October. I can’t guarantee I’ll get to everyone, but I will try to get to as many as possible.

Please re-visit when the actual previews get dropped in October because what I am sharing below are just a few of the names the coaches have given me. Much more will be shared - plus SEWrestle’s “What to Expect” - in the team previews. Lastly, if you want to know whether we have your form … you can find the list of everyone that has submitted a form in the blog archive.

Bob Jones (Alabama)

Coach Matt Sweatman enters year #11 and has to be excited to get things rolling after a challenging season that saw two of his three best wrestlers miss the state tournament due to injury or illness. The Patriots lose 285 lb. State Runner-up Drew Lawson to graduation, but return Manny Marrero and Evan Pippin to lead the way.

Marrero and Pippin missed all or part of the 2021 season and are hungry to make a run at the top step and lead BJ back to the form that had them claiming a dual title not so many years ago. Jack and Jonah Shaver, Troy Hennigan, Yohan Nichols, Aidan Foust, Elijah Jones, Ronin Amsler, Justin Bonney, and Tank Mays all return after making the 2021 7A State Tournament, but for the Patriots to be competitive they will need each to wrestle better at the state tournament than they did a year ago.

Girls State Champ Carly Thomas is very impressive and returns looking to claim another Girls state title in 2022. One wrestler to keep an eye on is Maddox Sunderman - the heavyweight has sat behind Lawson and showed he has the ability to make a run at a state title after being an All American at NHSCA’s in the spring.

“Returning 10 state qualifiers from an injury plagued 20-21 season. We’re looking forward to getting back on track this season. The return of Manny Marrero will be an immediate boost to the squad. The team has had a great off season with Evan Pippin dominating at Scholastic Duals and returning heavyweight Maddox Sunderman placing 7th at Virginia Beach. Also, returning 120lb girls state champion, Carly Thomas.”

— Coach Sweatman

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WE NEED YOUR HELP … We are in the process of collecting as much information as possible and would love for coaches to reach out and share their information. If you are a coach and would like to provide that information please click the “Team Preview” button below to be sent to a survey.

By this time - many of you have seen that we are doing highlights of different teams across the SE as we gear up to drop the team previews in 7 weeks. I was releasing one team a day, but with now over 140 teams having sent in information - I’ll try to ramp it up a bit so we can get as many in as possible before the first part of October. I can’t guarantee I’ll get to everyone, but I will try to get to as many as possible. Please re-visit when the actual previews get dropped in October because what I am sharing below are just a few of the names the coaches have given me. Much more will be shared - plus SEWrestle’s “What to Expect” - in the team previews.

Gardendale (Alabama)

Gardendale showed how talented they were (are) in downing Arab in the dual semis and Wetumpka in the dual finals before holding off Arab and a host of really good team to win the Alabama 5A-6A title. Gardendale has their stars, but they wouldn’t have been successful in a deep 5A-6A if they didn’t have quality throughout their line-up … this team is more than the Powe’s and the Wyatt’s (but don’t be fooled they are the engine that makes the train run).

Isaiah and Melton Powe both claimed individual titles in 2021 and are back to make a run at the top step again in 2022. Daishun finished 2nd at 113 and will look to join his two older brothers on the top step in 2022 (and here comes freshman Demarcus …). Keenan and Kennedy Wyatt helped anchor the top of the Gardendale line-up and will be looked to do so again - especially after the graduation of Orvik, Fuller, Franks, and Dunn.

Brody Scoggins and Vincent Zeigler will be counted on in a huge way if Gardendale is going to claim another title in 2022. Keep an eye on Jackson Blankenship, Ashton Wise, Demarcus Powe and others.

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Look for other teams to be highlighted over the next 7 weeks.

WE NEED YOUR HELP … We are in the process of collecting as much information as possible and would love for coaches to reach out and share their information. If you are a coach and would like to provide that information please click the “Team Preview” button below to be sent to a survey.

By this time - many of you have seen that we are doing highlights of different teams across the SE as we gear up to drop the team previews in 7 weeks. I was releasing one team a day, but with now over 140 teams having sent in information - I’ll try to ramp it up a bit so we can get as many in as possible before the first part of October. I can’t guarantee I’ll get to everyone, but I will try to get to as many as possible. Please re-visit when the actual previews get dropped in October because what I am sharing below are just a few of the names the coaches have given me. Much more will be shared - plus SEWrestle’s “What to Expect” - in the team previews.

John Carroll (Alabama)

Always love the return of programs … and we in Alabama are thankful to Coaches TJ and Wendy Zito for the rebirth of the John Carroll program. Not only are they working hard to build the boys program, but have been instrumental in the movement to get girls wrestling sanctioned in the state.

John Carroll is still a young team, but will look to a core group to lead the way in 2022. Look for TJ Zito and David Deason to lead the way, but keep an eye on a pair of 8th graders in Joseph Marcum and Owen Muro and the return of heavyweight Ethan Kelly who missed last season due to injury.

“Returning state qualifiers sophomore Jay Zito (120) and senior Davis Deason (bumping to 195) will anchor this third year program. Jay Zito (3rd year wrestler) has been wrestling in the offseason training at Warrior, BWC, Skulls, and Catholic Wrestle and attending camps. He was on the Alabama Elite Gold team for Deep South Duals and had continued to grow as a wrestler. Before the season, he will also have his 2nd qualifier black belt in karate and green belt in Judo. Davis Deason (third year wrestler) is a three sport varsity letterman athlete for John Carroll. He has excelled in baseball playing catcher for JC in the state playoffs and played travel ball. He is also the starting center for JC football and had received press recognition for his successes. His football weight training program will bump him a few weight classes for this season. Deason is the nephew of former University of Alabama football player Dennis Deason and son of former UAB football player Keith Deason. There will be lots of new faces in this third year program, but both the girls and boys program is expected to grow considerably. There will be former state champion, state qualifier, and MMA volunteers helping the season for a different look and feel for the team.”

— Coach TJ Zito

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Look for other teams to be highlighted over the next 7 weeks.

WE NEED YOUR HELP … We are in the process of collecting as much information as possible and would love for coaches to reach out and share their information. If you are a coach and would like to provide that information please click the “Team Preview” button below to be sent to a survey.