Swainsboro (GA)

Head Coach: Michael Singletary (entering 9th season)

Staff: Austin Fultz

Swainsboro returns more than half of their point-getters from the 2021 state tournament and will look to capitalize on the strengths of this core group as they make a run in 2022. Caleb Smith, Zachery Lee, Kam’Ron Tillman, R’Tavien Green, and Trevon Waller each won multiple matches in Macon in 2021 and each will be hunting a spot on the podium in 2022. Jacob Smith and Jonorian Foots each qualified a season ago and will look to join their fellow Tigers on the podium this coming season. One real strength of this team is that they have experience, but are also still young with just Trevon Waller (of the names mentioned above) being a Senior.

The tigers also welcome 4 freshmen into the mix that will look to make an impact this season (and for seasons to come). Keep an eye on Shane Gamiza, Allen Farley, Kasen Radford, and Brian Gregory … if they make an impact this season - Swainsboro should have a number of Tigers on the mats in Macon in February.

“We are returning 7 out of 10 wrestlers that made it to state last season. 6 of those have been ranked preseason top 10. We have high expectations this season to medal those 7 returners.”

— Coach Singletary

Social Circle (GA)

Head Coach: Randy Prater

Staff: Roger Strom, Nate Ethridge

Social Circle returns in 2021-22 absolutely loaded. So does Trion and a few other 1A teams - so this could be one outstanding season in 1A. Social Circle returns each of their starters from a team that put up 182 points and qualified 14 for the 1A State Tournament a year ago. The only critique you could make against the Redskins is that they didn’t have a state finalist … which is unusual when you put 9 on the podium. For Social Circle to breakthrough Trion they will need at least a few of those placers to claim the top step in 2022. Kacen Taylor and Will Hames each finished 3rd with Mitchell, Thacker, Ethridge, Vandergriff, and Bruce 4th and Castillo 5th.

The Redskins also have JD Duval, James Eldridge, Austin Farmer, Caden Prater, and Christian Brock who won multiple matches in Macon and will look to climb onto the podium themselves in 2022. I wonder if any team has had 14 State Placers in a single state tournament … because Social Circle certainly has the team to make a run for that milestone. Keep an eye on Tucker Cleary who broke his hand in the state dual semis a year ago and was unable to compete in the traditional state series. Two other names to pay attention to are CJ Duren and Sam Bowen … they could make some noise in 2022 and in a close team race could prove the difference.

“Returning 13 starters. 8 placers, 5 additional state qualifiers. Returning state placers.
Mitchell 4th
Castillo 5th
Thacker 4th
Taylor 3rd
Hames 3rd
Ethridge 4th
Vandergriff 4th
Bruce 4th
Returning qualifiers. Prater, Farmer, Eldridge, Duval, Brock”

— Asst Coach Ethridge

North Oconee (GA)

Head Coach: Walker Daniel (entering 10th season)

Staff: Dustin Cordell

North Oconee put up 167 points at the 2021 4A State Tournament - 2nd only to region-rival Jefferson. The Titans lose some significant firepower with the graduation of State Champ Sam Johnson, State Runner-up Gavin Bloom, and State Placer Hayden Prior. But don’t be fooled into thinking this year’s edition of the Titans don’t have a shot at making some noise in 4A. State Champ Beau Branand and State Placer Ashton Hefner both return and both have to be amongst the favorites to claim a title. The Titans also return Dom Lasher and Wyatt Anderson - both won multiple matches in Macon and both will be hunting a spot on the podium in 2022.

The key to the Titans success as a team is the continued development of the others in the room and getting some of the new faces (or returners) to make an impact and punch their ticket in 2022. Keep an eye on Ethan Jarvis, as well as Seniors Afton Anderson, JJ Fanning, and Luke Smith. Aaron Davis, Cole Cano, Louden Schnake, and Mack Brice are a few others that will look to take a place in the lineup and make a difference in 2022.

“Last year, we were loaded with seniors and finished 2nd in the state (program best). We had to battle through some injuries that opened some spots up and gave our younger kids valuable experience. While we lost a lot from last year, we have some tough kids coming back from injuries and some other young wrestlers that are ready to make a name for themselves. We are looking to continue to build a tradition of wrestling at our school and climb that final step of the podium. ”

— Coach Daniel