Uwharrie Charter (NC)

Head Coach: Chris Waddell (entering 21st year)

Staff: Eric Soto and David Lackey

Uwharrie Charter brought 14 to the 1A East Region and qualified 12 for the 2021 1A State Tournament. The Eagles put six on the podium including State Runners-up Drew Shelton and Doug Bowles. Unfortunately the Eagles graduate some significant firepower - 3 placer along with 2 other State Qualifiers. The Eagles still return a formidable force with 3 State Placers (Lackey, Bowles, and Roberts) as we as well as 4 other State Qualifiers.

With Avery County and Robbinsville both returning some firepower from last year - it is will key for returning State Qualifiers James Boling, Jaden Marion, Jaden Maness, and Jack McArthur to take that next step make push for a spot on the podium. Keep an eye on Jair Ulloa as well as Ethan Haines who sat behind Heaven Fitch a year ago at 106. The Eagles should be in the mix for another top 3 finish again in 2022 - the question is whether they have the horses to overtake Robbinsville or Avery and bring the title home.

“We finished 3rd last year behind Avery County and Robbinsville HS. We return a lot of talent, but so do they, so I think that we have an opportunity to finish in the top 3 in the state again this season. We have either won or placed 2nd the previous 2 seasons. We won the state tournament in 2018 and 2019, and we placed 2nd in 2020. Last year was our lowest finish, but our state also didn’t have wrestle backs, which is where we have thrived in previous seasons. ”

— Coach Waddell

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! ”

— Coach Powell

Christian Brothers (TN)

Head Coach: Derrick Harrison (entering 5th season)

Staff: Mike Letts, Jimmy Ballantyne, John Anthony, Ben Bowers, Jarrod Maynes

Christian Brothers is one of the top programs in Tennessee, regardless of class, year in and year out. In 2021 they finished 2nd to Baylor for the Division 2 traditional title and (like many years) graduated a ton of hammers. Gone are State Champ Dayne Dalrymple as well as State Runner-up Theo Sewell and Evan Anthony and State Placers Conner Billingsley, Foster Salvaggio, and Sam Lee. For most programs that would be take years to recover from. For Christian Brothers it will impact them as they look for some new faces to step into more important roles, but it won’t take long for the next group to ready to go and back challenging for a state title.

Christian Brothers still return 6 State Placers from 2021 including State Champ Aidan Bowers and State Runners-up Gervacio Gonzalez, Alex Ropski, and Wills Bronson. Add in Placer Drake Bowers and Nicholas Commons and this team will look to once again me in the hunt for the title along with Baylor, McCallie, MBA, Father Ryan, and the other top programs in D2. The key will be the continued development of Gabriel Croom and Ikey Levey and how quickly wrestlers like Ben Hackney, Iggy Smout, Luis Ramos, and others step in (and step up) when called on.

“We have more new faces in the line-up than we are accustomed to after graduating a big class, but these guys are as consistent as it comes and have had a great summer cycle heading into our pre-season training. We look to be as competitive as we have been. The positive thing about a program with depth is that the “new” starters have 2-3 years of high school experience under their belts.”

— Coach Harrison