Cherokee (GA)

Head Coach: Nathan Oertley (entering 2nd season)

Staff: Darryl Jones, Lee Hands, Nick Watson, Mark Knaggs, Justin Montgomery

Cherokee features one of the best 120-126’s in the Southeast in multiple time State Champ Jacob Silka. Silka enters his final season and has to be the favorite to claim a 3rd state title. Cherokee, as a team, lost several hammers to graduation including State Runner-up Kade Johnson and will need to look to some new faces to step up if they are going to battle into the top 15 again in 7A. Cherokee will look to Devin Mays as well as State Qualifiers Braden Iovino and Javon Hobson to help lead the new wave. Keep an eye on Scott Adams and the return of Justus Reis - both could be important in 21-22.

On the girls side - Cherokee features Zoe Parris. Parris, a rising Junior, was 7-1 at the Girls State Tournament last year and finished 3rd at 142 lbs. She should be amongst the favorites to claim a title in 2022.

“Cherokee graduated 7 starters last year, but looking to rebuild and look strong.”

— Coach Oertley

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.”

— Coach Hudson

Chattanooga Christian (TN)

Head Coach: Josh Craft (entering 10th season)

Staff: Eddy Newton, Makal Kidd, Andrew Carver

The Chargers finished 19th a year ago in Tennessee Division 2 and with nearly all of their starters returning for another season - they will look to push into the top 10 in 2022. The crew is led by a bunch of Seniors including State Placer Ben Bumgarner who finished 6th at 170 in 2021. The Chargers also return 2021 State Qualifier Kaleb Bonastia.

But for the Chargers to make that push they will need more of their returners to push through and into the big dance. Keep an eye on Lane Travis, Cooper Kay, AJ Jolly, Preston Rudder, and Evan Rominger … they will be the key to how well the Chargers do as a team in 2022.

“Having everyone but 1 back - everyone is passionate about getting better as a team and pushing each other, I look forward to this upcoming season as I feel we are serious Dual State Championship Contenders”

— Coach Jolly