Hough (NC)

Head Coach: Tripp Rogers (12 years)

Staff: Zack Rogers, Mike Higgins, Jason Hefner

Hough finished the 2022 season 7th at the traditional state tournament in 4A. They lose State Placer Darius Ward and State Qualifier Michael Pepe to graduation, but this is a team that remains largely intact and ready to make a run at the title in 2023. State Runners-up Jackson Rowling and Brandt Fajerman return and both should be amongst the favorites to claim an individual title this season. Don’t be surprised to see Rowling make a big jump up in weight after taking 2nd at 106 as a freshman.

The Huskies also return State Qualifiers Tyler Caldwell and Jason Sanders. Both Caldwell and Sanders won matches in Greensboro a year ago and having them get on the podium will be huge for the Huskies in the team race. Ultimately though it might come down to whether returners Will McRee, Sam Frederick, and Bo Schiano are able to take things to the next level and help the Huskies back into the top 5 (maybe the top 3). All three have post-season experience and getting 7 Huskies to Greensboro would be huge.

“The goal as always is to win a State Championship. We will do everything possible to reach that goal”

— Coach Rogers

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.

West Craven (NC)

Head Coach: Jeremiah Hohlfelder (1st year as Head Coach)

Staff: Ronald Lollis

West Craven is definitely a team on the rise in 2022-23. After punching 5 tickets to the state tournament a season, the Eagles return all 5 this season. The quintet is led by Senior State Placer Walker Bell who finished 5th at 132 in 2022. Bell, Gerald Johnson III, and Braylin Thomas each had success in Greensboro last February and each will look to make that next step and climb high on the podium in 2023. The Eagles also return State Qualifiers Brady Stevenson and Jacob Williams. With a handful of returners who have been to the big dance and a handful of others that are looking to punch their ticket - this is a team to watch in 2023.

The Eagles will be particularly good through the middle where Bell, Johnson, Stevenson, and Williams hold down the 132-152 spots. The key for West Craven is the development of the top and bottom parts of the lineup. Keep an eye on Senior Dominec Oneto as well as Lathon Morris and Isacc Nzedowski up top and a trio of freshmen in Kaden Stevenson, Landon McCarty, and Gavin Stewart on the bottom part of the lineup. Sophomore Jamesion Wesley returns after a solid freshman campaign and will look to punch his ticket in 2023 after being a region qualifier in 2022.

“After a 3rd place finish in the conference last season, coupled with 5 returning state qualifiers we are looking to build on that season. Last year this team was really young, but has the potential to have a break out season this year. We’ve had a pretty good off season with some of our older guys and a few of the young guys and I believe their goal this season is to win a Conference title and I truly believe that they can.”

— Coach Hohlfelder

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.

Foard (NC)

Head Coach: Mike Carey

Staff: Jim Richard, Zeb Elmore, Josh Speagle, Dean Blanton, David Shook, Jarrod Conner

Foard is not just one of the top programs in North Carolina, they are certainly a top 20 team in the Southeast. Foard dominated the duals as they ran to the 3A title and won the traditional title by 51.5 over runner-up CATA. With a ton of returners - Foard will look to do it again in 2022-23. Foard qualified 10 for the traditional state tournament a year ago and return 7 this season including 220 lb. State Champion Dylan Smith and Runners-up Karter Floyd, Brock Carey, and Zane Birtchet.

From top to bottom, Foard is as tough as any team you will see this season. Joining Smith, Floyd, Carey, and Birtchet are State Placers Brayden Mejia (3rd at 120), Hunter Clark (4th at 132), and Colby Mace (4th at 195). Each will look to claim an individual title in 22-23 and push Foard to the top in the team race once again. Keep an eye on a quartet of Seniors - Jon Byrd (160), Evan Hunsinger (160), Sam Drum (182), and Sam Bolch (285) who will look to make their mark as well in their final season at Foard. Don’t be surprised to hear the names … George Coleman (106), Austin Laws (113), Toby Bowman (120), Sebastian Richards (120), Parker Johns (132), and Matthew Whalen (160) as well.

“Foard has now gone 3 years without a dual loss in the state of North Carolina, and return 6 state finalist or champs, and a 7th wrestler is a state placer! Returning State Placers are: Sophomore Karter Floyd 126, Junior Brayden Mejia 132 or 138, senior Brock Carey 145, junior Hunter Clark 138 or 152, senior Zane Birtchet 160 or 170, senior Colby Mace 195 or 220, and senior Dylan Smith 195 or 220. 4 of those seniors are getting the attention of D1 and/or D2 college coaches. Last year FTF won both the state duals and tournament, and look forward to trying to do it again!”

— Coach Carey

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.