GA’s Gabe Arnold downs Rocco Welsh to claim the WNO 170 lb. title. You can find the full match at flowrestling.com
GA’s Caleb Henson down Jordan Williams 5-4 to claim the 152 lb. WNO title
FL’s Val Solorio gets up on Paatoriza, but can’t get the win at the Who’s #1 event at 94 lbs.
SC’s Zao Estrada gets the first takedown, but can’t keep the lead and falls to Diduch in their 117 WNO bout
Crescent (SC)
Head Coach: Austin Powell (entering 2nd season)
Staff: Antonio Tillman
A year ago Coach Powell pulled together a Crescent team with some talent and got them working toward a common goal … by the end of a tough year (with schedule changes, Covid restrictions, and everything else) he had the Tigers standing atop the 1A/2A podium. The Tigers put all 8 State Qualifiers on the podium including Adams, Williams, and Ellis who each claimed an individual title as well. Two of those Champs - Brayden Adams and Kade Williams return looking for another title to bring home in 2022.
Crescent also returns 4 State Placers in Aquan Taylor, Elijah Richey, Kamrun Gentle, and Isaiah Ellis. If Crescent can put all six back on the podium again in 2022 - and preferably high on the podium - they will be tough to knock off. Keep an eye on Jay Adams and incoming freshman Jayden Hicks to make some noise in 2022. Crescent will be tough to beat as they make a run for their 2nd consecutive title in 2022.
““It’s never crowded at the top...”
There is a great group of guys returning this season. We have a packed schedule with several out of state opponents. Our plan is to get a lot of tough wrestling in before region matches begin. Go Tigers! ”
Gilbert (SC)
Head Coach: Mitch Hudson (entering Season 5)
Staff: Micheal Kleinfelder, Jack Stephens, Jon Brentlinger, Neil Bastian
Gilbert took 2nd to BHP in both duals and traditional in 2021 and with the team Gilbert has returning - they are ready to take that title in 2022. With 6 State Placers returning - this is a team that will be tough to beat. Elijah Mayers (4th at 106), Blake Wise (3rd at 120), Harley Boatwright (2nd at 145), Jackson Caulder (3rd at 152), and Grayson Keisler (3rd at 182) should lead the way. Each will be looking to claim an individual title as well as leading the team to a dual and traditional title.
But to win a dual state title you need more than 5, 6 or 7 … you need everyone to step up. It will be important for JJ Brentlinger, Grayson Dowden, Brenden Boatwright, and others to make some noise. From top to bottom Gilbert is very tough, but the teams they will go against to win a title (BHP, West-Oak, Powdersville, etc.) are equally talented. This will be a fun year to watch the action in South Carolina 3A. Keep an eye on freshman Nathan Shumpert.
“Gilbert has 12 returning starters to our line up and several wrestlers with varsity experience all returning. We have our most experienced line up returning with 8 State Qualifiers and state 6 placers and the goal is to be in the State Finals, making a 4th attempt to win a State Title. We have experience, we have guys that have put in a lot of work on the mat and in the weight room. We will be challenged by a few teams in the Lower State, and we have to compete with the Upper State but our guys have embraced this challenge for the last three years and ready to take one more shot. We also know we will be facing challenges similar to last season and focusing on ourself is a priority.”