Bob Jones Girls (AL)

Head Coach: Matt Sweatman (8 years)

Staff: Jim Zepp

As girls continue to work to be sanctioned in the state of Alabama (I believe it is now an “emerging” sport in the state), schools and programs have really begun highlighting their talented female athletes. There are not many more talented than Carly Thomas of Bob Jones. Carly is a 2x State Champion and has to be an excellent example for the Bob Jones staff in recruiting other girls in the school to wrestle. Carly should once again be the top contender from 120-130 lbs. this season and as a Junior, she will have a few more opportunities to help build the foundation of a girls program at Bob Jones.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback recruiting girls into our program and we look forward to continuing to develop Carly into an elite wrestler in the southeast. She is a Alabama 2x champ and came up one match short at VA Beach. She has worked extremely hard in the off season and will be ready to make a competitive run at nationals again this season.”

— Coach Sweatman

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.

St John Paul II (AL)

Head Coach: James Dowd (16 years)

Staff: Daryl Priest

The Falcons finished 13th at the 1A-4A traditional state tournament and made the state duals again in 2021-2022. This team seems to be gaining experience (and confidence) and will look to push into the top 10 in 2023. The Falcons are led by returning 132 lb. State Champ Jack Von Eschenbach and 120 lb. State Qualifier Julian Lowe. The Falcons do lose State Qualifier Robert Goebel to graduation, but expect to be even better this season as the next group continues to develop.

Von Eschenbach and Lowe should lead the way, but if the Falcons are going to climb into the top 10 and make some noise in 22-23 - they will need Ben Santy, Andrew Maryoka, and Gabe Harris to have an impact. Harris was a State Qualifier in 2021 and Maryoka returns after being sidelined a season ago … both should join Von Eschenbach and Lowe between 126 and 145 in what will be the toughest part of the lineup for the Falcons. Keep an eye on Senior Michael Cole as well as 8th grader Xavier Escorpizo.

“We are starting to add numbers to our program which is helping improve the wrestling in the room. We are looking for our 3rd consecutive trip to the state duals and our first ever full line up. The team’s motivation is high with our 6th season looking as our best so far. ”

— Coach Dowd

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.

Mortimer Jordan (AL)

Head Coach: Joshua Pate (4 years)

Staff: Brandon Buchanon, Travis Shelnutt, Joshua Pruett

What a run for Mortimer Jordan a season ago. The Blue Devils rode the wave to beat Arab, McAdory, Gardendale, and Homewood for the 5A-6A traditional title. The Blue Devils were led by State Champs Caleb Wright (106) and Brodie Christmas (113) as well as 4 other placers and 4 qualifiers … it was an outstanding team effort to take home the title last season. State Runner-up Lake Gurley as well as State Placers Luke Jasper and Jimmie Reed, and State Qualifier Jayden Harris are now gone … leaving the Blue Devils with a few holes to fill (especially up top).

Christmas and Wright will be back to lead the way (and looking to add another individual title) along with State Placer Conner Horton and State Qualifiers Cruz Rainwater, John Leon, and Kage McIssic. The Blue Devils are going to be extremely tough from 113-152, but it will be how well the top part of the lineup continues to develop as to whether they claim another team title in 2023. Bailee Morton, Jacob Horton, Chandler Hogan, and Campbell Gaskin each return with post-season experience and if Mortimer Jordan is going to be back in the mix … they will need to make an impact in 22-23. Keep an eye on Weston Tossie, Carmine Miller, Aiden Moriss, Brodie Helm, Brooks Morton, and Caiden Todoroff … each will have the opportunity to make a name for themselves this season as well.

“2022 season ended with a bang. We aim to keep the momentum rolling into this next season. We lost some heavy hitters to graduation, and have to fill the holes they left. Despite what we lost we have two State Champions Caleb Wright (106) and Brodie Christmas (113) returning. We have 6 state qualifiers coming back as well. I expect Mortimer Jordan to be in competition for a state title this year. We have shown that we can be the best. This season will be about showing continued success.”

— Coach Pate

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.