West Craven (NC)

Head Coach: Jeremiah Hohlfelder (1st year as Head Coach)

Staff: Ronald Lollis

West Craven is definitely a team on the rise in 2022-23. After punching 5 tickets to the state tournament a season, the Eagles return all 5 this season. The quintet is led by Senior State Placer Walker Bell who finished 5th at 132 in 2022. Bell, Gerald Johnson III, and Braylin Thomas each had success in Greensboro last February and each will look to make that next step and climb high on the podium in 2023. The Eagles also return State Qualifiers Brady Stevenson and Jacob Williams. With a handful of returners who have been to the big dance and a handful of others that are looking to punch their ticket - this is a team to watch in 2023.

The Eagles will be particularly good through the middle where Bell, Johnson, Stevenson, and Williams hold down the 132-152 spots. The key for West Craven is the development of the top and bottom parts of the lineup. Keep an eye on Senior Dominec Oneto as well as Lathon Morris and Isacc Nzedowski up top and a trio of freshmen in Kaden Stevenson, Landon McCarty, and Gavin Stewart on the bottom part of the lineup. Sophomore Jamesion Wesley returns after a solid freshman campaign and will look to punch his ticket in 2023 after being a region qualifier in 2022.

“After a 3rd place finish in the conference last season, coupled with 5 returning state qualifiers we are looking to build on that season. Last year this team was really young, but has the potential to have a break out season this year. We’ve had a pretty good off season with some of our older guys and a few of the young guys and I believe their goal this season is to win a Conference title and I truly believe that they can.”

— Coach Hohlfelder

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.

Gaffney (SC)

Head Coach: Daniel Grellman (5 years)

Staff: Josh Spencer

Gaffney continues to climb and after taking 19th at the traditional tournament a season ago … this is a team that has the top 10 in their sights. Aaron Wilburn took 2nd as a freshman at 106 and will be back in the mix hunting for an individual title in 2023. Wilburn was joined at the state tournament a season ago by Daunte Bond … Bond returns for his senior campaign and the duo should lead the way for the Indians in 22-23.

But the key for Gaffney climbing to a place in the top 10 is the continued development of the rest of the squad. Claira Hannon, Cason Wiggins, Riley McSwain, and Mike Mabry, will play an important role down low for the Indians and Jacob Norwood, Drew Ellis, Treshun Tate, Andrew Ruppe, will be counted on up top to help push Gaffney to the next level. Keep an eye on a few others to look to make an impact this season as well … Anna Hannon, Tyler Moore, Jaxx Wullimann, and Sherman Hayes could help push Gaffney into the conversation in 5A.

“This team has put in a great deal of work over the spring and summer. We had a pretty good season last year with with a lot of of experience coming back. I expect us to compete for a region championship and also be a contender for an Upperstate title.”

— Coach Grellman

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.

Mortimer Jordan (AL)

Head Coach: Joshua Pate (4 years)

Staff: Brandon Buchanon, Travis Shelnutt, Joshua Pruett

What a run for Mortimer Jordan a season ago. The Blue Devils rode the wave to beat Arab, McAdory, Gardendale, and Homewood for the 5A-6A traditional title. The Blue Devils were led by State Champs Caleb Wright (106) and Brodie Christmas (113) as well as 4 other placers and 4 qualifiers … it was an outstanding team effort to take home the title last season. State Runner-up Lake Gurley as well as State Placers Luke Jasper and Jimmie Reed, and State Qualifier Jayden Harris are now gone … leaving the Blue Devils with a few holes to fill (especially up top).

Christmas and Wright will be back to lead the way (and looking to add another individual title) along with State Placer Conner Horton and State Qualifiers Cruz Rainwater, John Leon, and Kage McIssic. The Blue Devils are going to be extremely tough from 113-152, but it will be how well the top part of the lineup continues to develop as to whether they claim another team title in 2023. Bailee Morton, Jacob Horton, Chandler Hogan, and Campbell Gaskin each return with post-season experience and if Mortimer Jordan is going to be back in the mix … they will need to make an impact in 22-23. Keep an eye on Weston Tossie, Carmine Miller, Aiden Moriss, Brodie Helm, Brooks Morton, and Caiden Todoroff … each will have the opportunity to make a name for themselves this season as well.

“2022 season ended with a bang. We aim to keep the momentum rolling into this next season. We lost some heavy hitters to graduation, and have to fill the holes they left. Despite what we lost we have two State Champions Caleb Wright (106) and Brodie Christmas (113) returning. We have 6 state qualifiers coming back as well. I expect Mortimer Jordan to be in competition for a state title this year. We have shown that we can be the best. This season will be about showing continued success.”

— Coach Pate

NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.