TL Hanna (SC)

Head Coach: Lance Abernathy (3 at Hanna)

Staff: Joe Alessandrini, Charlie Wohlieb, Daniel Troidl, Lucas Conti

Hanna finished off a really good 2021-22 season and return a handful of hammers that have an opportunity to push Hanna into the conversation in 5A. Two years ago Hanna was 9th at Upperstate, last year they finished 7th … this year they have a team that could make some noise and break into the top 3. Senior Nathan Fendley won UpperState a season ago and will look to lead the way this season. Fendley will be the key down low for a Hanna team that should feature Seniors between 113-132 with Fendley, Ethan Smith Cook, and Hagen Moon (a returning SQ as well). Add in a pair sophomores with Lex Abernathy and Jackson Walters at 106 and 113 and the Jackets should begin any dual in a strong position.

Devin Taylor, David Brown, Michael Alessandrini, Ryan Henderson, Ty Bridges and Seniors Jalan Vandiver, Jackson Bolt, and Mark Mulkins will solidify the middle of the lineup from 132-170. Tristan Carroll, Julius Norris, and Riley Lewis will be called on to handle the top of the lineup. Hanna has a ton of experience returning from a solid team from a season ago. The next step is getting a few more through to the state tournament and to get some wins (and points) once they are there.

“We return quite a bit of experience off of a 23-2 region runner-up dual team with 4 returning state qualifiers in the lineup. We had a great summer and many of our wrestlers have progressed this offseason. Our SR group has played a major role in changing the culture in the room and we are looking forward to seeing them compete this season. We have a solid schedule with a mix of tourneys from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.”

— Coach Abernathy

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.

Hillcrest (SC)

Head Coach: Anthony Esposito (2 years)

Staff: Austin Weathers

Last season was a tale of missed opportunities. The Rams lost in the 5A Dual final to Ashley Ridge by a point and then took 2nd to that same Ashley Ridge squad by 5.5 at the traditional state tournament. Both titles were within the sights of a Senior led group of hammers. Hillcrest will look to some new faces in 2022-23 to step up and replace the outgoing crop of seniors that enjoyed much success over the last four years. Seven of the Rams eight state qualifiers and more than 100 points graduated with Thomas Snipes, Jackson Harms, Jacoreyn Byrd, and others.

2022 State Runner-up Hunter Jagodzinski returns and will be counted on to lead the way in 22-23. Austin Kilgore, Kaden McDonald, and Parker Cheely each wrestled in the Upperstate Tournament a season ago and each will be counted on to join Jagodzinski in making a run for the podium this season. Keep an eye on Coby Cortese, Asahi Lomax, Jace Mann, and Donavan Briggs as they will look to make an impact this season as well. The Rams have looked to Snipes, Harms, etc. for years … now it is time for the next group to step up and make their mark.

“Over the past few years we have created a buzz in the school where a lot of kids want to wrestle or come to matches. We’ve given out enough gear that student’s who don’t wrestle still support us and our brand. We expect to have well attended duals and we expect a lot of growth from our young guys. A few guys look to be back from injuries at the right time, therefore we are excited for their progress. We think we can compete. Our young guys are eager. Should be fun.”

— Coach Esposito

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.

Gaffney (SC)

Head Coach: Daniel Grellman (5 years)

Staff: Josh Spencer

Gaffney continues to climb and after taking 19th at the traditional tournament a season ago … this is a team that has the top 10 in their sights. Aaron Wilburn took 2nd as a freshman at 106 and will be back in the mix hunting for an individual title in 2023. Wilburn was joined at the state tournament a season ago by Daunte Bond … Bond returns for his senior campaign and the duo should lead the way for the Indians in 22-23.

But the key for Gaffney climbing to a place in the top 10 is the continued development of the rest of the squad. Claira Hannon, Cason Wiggins, Riley McSwain, and Mike Mabry, will play an important role down low for the Indians and Jacob Norwood, Drew Ellis, Treshun Tate, Andrew Ruppe, will be counted on up top to help push Gaffney to the next level. Keep an eye on a few others to look to make an impact this season as well … Anna Hannon, Tyler Moore, Jaxx Wullimann, and Sherman Hayes could help push Gaffney into the conversation in 5A.

“This team has put in a great deal of work over the spring and summer. We had a pretty good season last year with with a lot of of experience coming back. I expect us to compete for a region championship and also be a contender for an Upperstate title.”

— Coach Grellman

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.