Columbus (GA)

Columbus is a team on the rise in Georgia 4A. The Blue Devils finished 8th at the Traditional State Tournament in 2021 and should expect to better that in 2022 - do we have a top 5 team here? They do lose Sean Mulvany, Tristan Villegas-Riedel, and Austin Toelle, but that pales in comparison to their returners. Columbus returns a pair of freshman State Placers in Tyler Nyguen and Tyler Secoy - each finished 3rd and each will be hunting the top step in 2022. The Blue Devils also return State Placer Sam Lesh who finished 5th as a freshman. Add in Jonathan McDaniel - State Runner-up transfer from Shaw - and the Blue Devils could have 4 on top of the podium in 2022 (and 3 are sophomores).

The key for Columbus, like so many others, is the development of the others on the roster. Adrien Villegas-Riedel and Jett Rapp both scored points at the state tournament a year ago and will look to make the podium in 2022. How high Columbus climbs might come down to how well Tyranny McGowan, Rishi Polepally, Jack Decker, and Tyson Morris wrestle in 21-22. Keep an eye on Mason Person - the freshman will look to make an impact in 2022 as well.

“We are looking forward to a great year. We are a younger team with only 2 seniors, but we have several Jr’s and Sophomores that will step up into leadership roles. We have a really strong schedule, with Macallie and Knockout. We have high expectations this year. We were not happy with the dual results last year. We are looking to repeat as area champs in both duals and Traditionals. We had 2 freshman finish 3rd and another freshman finished 5th all 3 have worked hard this off season. ”

— Coach Keys

Thomasville (NC)

Thomasville - according to what I could find through the NCHSAA - moves down from 2A to 1A in 2021-2022. They were 13th in the Mideast Region in 2021 and return each of their post-season wrestlers … so this is a team that will look to make a push in 1A in 2022. Carlos Vasquez and Eriberto Torres both qualified for the state tournament as underclassmen in 2021 and both will look to make the podium in 2022 (Vasquez as a Junior and Torres as a Sophomore).

But Thomasville is more than just a two-man show … Alex Henderson returns after a solid freshman campaign and Thomasville has 7 returners that are Sophomores with post-season experience. Keep an eye on this team in 2021-2022, but all of 1A better watch out for 2022-2023. Thomasville also returns Ramiro Guthrie, Marco Martinez and others - each will look to make an impact and help Thomasville climb the ladder in 1A.

““What’s Your Why”. We have been focusing on why our kids are wrestling, what their individual and team goals are and how we accomplish those. We ring a bell everyday before practice that signifies they are going to work to get better and prosper on the mat and in the classroom. The team has a full lineup returning coming off a winning shortened season. Possibly the deepest depth the team has had since the 2014 State 2A title team. Kids have stayed busy and worked hard in the weight room and wrestling room and are ready to rumble in 21-22.”

— Coach Bowers

Miami Norland (FL)

The Vikings begin the uphill climb in 2A Region 4. Norland return 4 with post-season experience and they should make up the core of the 21-22 squad. Keep an eye on David Capers and Jordan Bailey - both Seniors as well as Junior Inson Guerrier and Sophomore Rahsaan Robinson. Robinson took 2nd in District 15 at 106 and will look to put a few wins together at the region 4 tournament and punch his ticket to Kissimmee. Keep an eye on Christo Pierre and Shanakay Chambers - two seniors that will look to make some noise and book a trip to the state tournament in Kissimmee in March.

“Miami Norland Wrestling is a young program that currently houses a strong balance of older student-athletes and younger aspirants. I have high hopes for our team dynamic and the opportunity for success this season. ”

— Coach Valentine