Terry Sanford (NC)

Head Coach: Patrick Wells (entering 7th season)

Staff: David Wells, Mike DiJurnegan

Terry Sanford brought 8 to the 3A Mideast Region in 2021 and 6 of those return for another run in 2021-22. State Placer Christian Coto and State Qualifier Memphis Naugle have both graduated, but TS returns a solid squad that is primarily Junior-heavy. Seniors Katherine Sullivan, Ethan Taris, Noah Stamp, Exzavier Pickering, and Nathaneal Patrick figure to lead the way, but it will be on much of the Junior class to have an impact on how well the Bulldogs compete this season.

Walker Wilkins, Soulemane Morgan, Cole Sgro, Kameron Ladd, Muhammudali Rajabi, Jacob Pranka, and John Fuda figure to play a significant role in the success of the program this season. Keep an eye on freshman Troy Shannon as well as Sophomores Cody Leach and Vincent Gugliotta. Who in this lineup will step up and fill the void left by the graduation of Coto and Naugle?

“I expect this large Junior group to make a huge jump this year. This group is one of the largest and hardest working groups I have had. With some great leadership, I believe TS will make a statement in this new conference. ”

— Coach Wells

Putnam County (GA)

Head Coach: Joe Hutsell (entering 3rd season)

Staff: Brad Snowden, Dawn Walker

Putnam had quite a good showing in 2020-2021 in their second year as a program. The War Eagles qualified 12 for the state tournament and the majority of that squad returns for another year. Brayon Farley and Mark Winslette each won multiple matches in Macon and figure to be in the hunt for a spot on the podium this season. Putnam County is a very young squad that features several Juniors and a bunch of Sophomores … so look for them to get better and better as the year goes along.

Keep an eye on Jonquail Coats and Armon Webster - both won a match in Macon and will look to punch their ticket again in 2022. Another wrestler to keep an eye on is Luke Armistead who returns after missing all of last season with an injury. Putnam County may not make a huge mark in 2021-22, but they are building the foundation for success in the future.

“Putnam County will begin their third year as a program. Last year Putnam started 6 Freshman, 4 Sophomores, 1 Junior and 2 Seniors, with 12 qualifying for the State Tournament.

We realize qualifying 12 for the state championship isn’t realistic in a ‘normal’ season, but believe the COVID-19 modifications really helped this young team understand the work required to make it back to “the show” when GHSA returns to the normal post-season gauntlet. ”

— Coach Hutsell

Montgomery County (GA)

Head Coach: Will Adams (entering 5th season)

Staff: Matt Janufka

Montgomery County return most of their point-getters from 2021 including State Placers Brandon Denmark and Jacob Carpenter. Both Denmark and Carpenter won 3 matches in Macon and finished 5th - both are Seniors in 2021-22 and will look to climb higher on the podium this season. The Eagles also return State Qualifiers Dreshun Patterson, NiShawn Wise, Rome Thornton, and Ethan Price. Each won a match in 2021 and will look to make the podium in 2022.

Keep an eye on Rebecca Dominguez, Mason Scott, and Austin Glisson … each returns looking to make their mark on the 21-22 season. Junior Kaleb Waters moved-in from Virginia and “should be an immediate help to our team.” Keep an eye on freshman Owen Moxley as well.

“The Eagles look to have another good season this year. They are returning 7 state qualifiers, 2 of which were state placers. All other qualifiers won matches at the state tournament. The majority of the team is juniors and seniors with lots of experience. They have been working hard during the summer at various camps, and we look to fill the roster.

The expected leaders on the team include Brandon Denmark and Jacob Carpenter which both got 5th at state last year, as well as sophomore qualifiers Rome Thornton and Ethan Price.

”We have steadily improved our numbers and skill set each year. The kids have been working very hard in the offseason and I can’t wait to see how this season turns out.””

— Coach Adams