North Oconee (GA)

Head Coach: Walker Daniel (entering 10th season)

Staff: Dustin Cordell

North Oconee put up 167 points at the 2021 4A State Tournament - 2nd only to region-rival Jefferson. The Titans lose some significant firepower with the graduation of State Champ Sam Johnson, State Runner-up Gavin Bloom, and State Placer Hayden Prior. But don’t be fooled into thinking this year’s edition of the Titans don’t have a shot at making some noise in 4A. State Champ Beau Branand and State Placer Ashton Hefner both return and both have to be amongst the favorites to claim a title. The Titans also return Dom Lasher and Wyatt Anderson - both won multiple matches in Macon and both will be hunting a spot on the podium in 2022.

The key to the Titans success as a team is the continued development of the others in the room and getting some of the new faces (or returners) to make an impact and punch their ticket in 2022. Keep an eye on Ethan Jarvis, as well as Seniors Afton Anderson, JJ Fanning, and Luke Smith. Aaron Davis, Cole Cano, Louden Schnake, and Mack Brice are a few others that will look to take a place in the lineup and make a difference in 2022.

“Last year, we were loaded with seniors and finished 2nd in the state (program best). We had to battle through some injuries that opened some spots up and gave our younger kids valuable experience. While we lost a lot from last year, we have some tough kids coming back from injuries and some other young wrestlers that are ready to make a name for themselves. We are looking to continue to build a tradition of wrestling at our school and climb that final step of the podium. ”

— Coach Daniel

Manatee (FL)

Head Coach: Andrew Gugliemini, Jr. (entering 28th season at Manatee)

Staff: Bobby Latessa, Trevor Fair, Felix Osuna Cotto, Bryce Killian

Coach Gug graduated a ton of seniors from the 2020-2021 team that had wrestlers all over the podium in Kissimmee. Manatee returns State Placer Nic Giompalo and 2020 State Qualifier Trenton Johnson. Both will expect to be on the podium in 2022. Manatee also welcomes Sarasota Military Academy transfer Erik Borreson - a 2021 State Qualifier who won multiple matches in Kissimmee a year ago.

It would be difficult for Manatee to equal the success they had a year ago, but for that to happen they will need several others to step up and make some noise in 2021-22. Anthony Samuels and Jake Samuels as well as the return of Mason Miller who missed the 2021 post-season due to injury look to be at least 3 that will be counted on heading into this season. Keep an eye on freshman Chase Johnson and Illinois move-in Hunter White … both will be counted on to have an impact this season as well. Manatee has a deep room - it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some others like Dennis Bodin, Julian Smih, etc. step up and play an important role.

“Manatee graduated 7 amazing seniors - including 3 State Placers / State Champions- and we are excited about the young group of wrestlers ready to step into the line up. We will be led by Junior State Placer Nic Giompalo ( 3rd @ 170 ) and Trenton Johnson ( SQ in 2020 ) 2021 SQ (blood round ) Erik Borrenson.
Mason Miller / Anthony Samuels / Jake Samuels will challenge for state births.
Our tough schedule will pay dividends come post season!!! ”

— Coach Gug

Benjamin Russell (AL)

Head Coach: Michael Ransaw

Staff: Connor Collins

Benjamin Russell returns a solid core group of wrestlers and will look to improve on their 22nd place at the 5A/6A tournament from a year ago. They do lose State Runner-up Damien Lawry to graduation, but return State Placers Jamarion Whetstone and Trace McCaleb - both of whom will look to make a run for the top of the podium in 2022. Benjamin Russell also returns Sandlin Pike, Lee Leonard and Savon Spradley - each won multiple matches in Huntsville a year ago and will look to make the podium.

The key to Benjamin Russell breaking into the top 10 in 2022 will be the continued development of State Qualifiers Kaleb Robinson and Isaiah Stamps. Keep an eye on Jartavious Burroughs as well.