TL Hanna (SC)

Hanna continues the uphill climb in tough South Carolina 5A. Hanna made significant strides a year ago and return Junior State Qualifier Julian Vandiver to help lead the way in 2021-2022. Vandiver, given the change in qualification because of Covid in 2020, is Hanna’s only returning qualifier, but this group has a core to help them move into the top 15 in 5A in 2022. Tyler Scanlon, Nathan Fendley, and Ethan Smith Cook will play a huge role in pushing Hanna into the top 20 in 2022. Each has a wealth of experience and should be key in helping the next as they continue to develop.

Keep an eye on a large group of Sophomores that include Davis Brown, Ty Bridges, Landon Loftis, Tristan Carroll, Eddie Pino and others. This team should continue to get better and could be quite a force in 2022-2023. Don’t be surprised if Hagan Moon makes some noise in 2022 as well.

“The program is headed in the right direction coming off an 11-4 dual record and region runner up in the 2020-2021 season behind state champion Hillcrest. We return 4 who were Region 1-AAAAA runners up in Cook, Fendley, Scanlon, and state qualifier Vandiver. We are excited about the direction the program is headed and we have a lot of returners who have varsity experience.”

— Coach Abernathy

Clover (SC)

Head Coach: Michael Fitzgerald (entering year 20)

Associate Head Coach: Chauncey McElheney

Staff: Leslie Miller, Rusty Yaple, Tyler McElheney

Clover had a good run in 2021 - finishing 6th at the 5A Traditional State Tournament. Coach Fitzgerald got 6 qualifiers through (in a tough year given covid restrictions and qualifying) and put 5 of those 6 on the podium. Three of those Eagles have graduated and moved on, but 3 return and they should lead the team in 2021-22. Yannis Charles finished 2nd at 132 and had a good summer - making the podium in the Fargo. He is joined by Jaden Charles who finished 4th a year ago at 106 and Enoch Long who qualified at 138.

If Clover is going to make a run back at the top 5 they will need others step and fill the gaps (and points) left by the graduation of Graysen Lathem, Asa Walton, and TJ Stacey. The Eagles are looking forward to the return of former Region Champ Amir Muhammad who was out last year and returns for his senior season. Coach Fitzgerald will also look to Wilton Grice, Michael Tomko, Kaevon Garnder, and Isaiah Plummer to step up - particularly in the upperweights where Clover lost their hammers to graduation. Keep an eye on Jaden Sikorski and Carson Enix - both will look to make some noise in 2022.

“We are excited to get back on the mat this year. We have 2 returning state placers and a returning state qualifier from last year. The goal is always the same every year, win the region and then get the next best thing. We lost a lot to graduation so we will be relying on some new faces to get us where we want to go.”

— Coach Fitzgerald

May River (SC)

May River returns a plethora of talent - many that competed for spots on the podium in 2021 and will be hunting for the top step in 2022. Gabriel Juarez won the 4A title at 160 and is back to make it 2 in a row in 2022. Santiago Rueda finished 2nd at 138 to Dylan Layton and will be back hunting the top step. May River finished 3rd at the traditional State Tournament, but has the pieces to make the 2022 post-season interesting.

Emilio Mendoza, Chris Snowden, Isaiah Wysong, and others will play a huge role in whether May River can push Eastside for the dual and traditional title. Keep an eye on Billy Hall, EJ Seman, Will Dueham, and Miquel Cavaleheieo - each will look to make some noise in 2022 if May River is going to topple 4A.

“I think we can be pretty good if we can continue to develop and have strong leadership from our core of returning guys. Our expectations are to make sure we are peaking at the right time and make a deep run in the playoffs. The guys got a feel for it last year wrestling in the state finals and I hope it is fuel to continue that trip back. Bottom line is we have to stay healthy and get better day by day. We are going to have to build the upper weights with the departure of some good upper weight guys over the last 2 years. ”

— Coach Powell