Columbus (GA)
Columbus is a team on the rise in Georgia 4A. The Blue Devils finished 8th at the Traditional State Tournament in 2021 and should expect to better that in 2022 - do we have a top 5 team here? They do lose Sean Mulvany, Tristan Villegas-Riedel, and Austin Toelle, but that pales in comparison to their returners. Columbus returns a pair of freshman State Placers in Tyler Nyguen and Tyler Secoy - each finished 3rd and each will be hunting the top step in 2022. The Blue Devils also return State Placer Sam Lesh who finished 5th as a freshman. Add in Jonathan McDaniel - State Runner-up transfer from Shaw - and the Blue Devils could have 4 on top of the podium in 2022 (and 3 are sophomores).
The key for Columbus, like so many others, is the development of the others on the roster. Adrien Villegas-Riedel and Jett Rapp both scored points at the state tournament a year ago and will look to make the podium in 2022. How high Columbus climbs might come down to how well Tyranny McGowan, Rishi Polepally, Jack Decker, and Tyson Morris wrestle in 21-22. Keep an eye on Mason Person - the freshman will look to make an impact in 2022 as well.
“We are looking forward to a great year. We are a younger team with only 2 seniors, but we have several Jr’s and Sophomores that will step up into leadership roles. We have a really strong schedule, with Macallie and Knockout. We have high expectations this year. We were not happy with the dual results last year. We are looking to repeat as area champs in both duals and Traditionals. We had 2 freshman finish 3rd and another freshman finished 5th all 3 have worked hard this off season. ”
