Bob Jones Girls (AL)

Head Coach: Matt Sweatman (8 years)

Staff: Jim Zepp

As girls continue to work to be sanctioned in the state of Alabama (I believe it is now an “emerging” sport in the state), schools and programs have really begun highlighting their talented female athletes. There are not many more talented than Carly Thomas of Bob Jones. Carly is a 2x State Champion and has to be an excellent example for the Bob Jones staff in recruiting other girls in the school to wrestle. Carly should once again be the top contender from 120-130 lbs. this season and as a Junior, she will have a few more opportunities to help build the foundation of a girls program at Bob Jones.

“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback recruiting girls into our program and we look forward to continuing to develop Carly into an elite wrestler in the southeast. She is a Alabama 2x champ and came up one match short at VA Beach. She has worked extremely hard in the off season and will be ready to make a competitive run at nationals again this season.”

— Coach Sweatman

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.

Carrollton (GA)

Head Coach: Allen Newton (3rd year as Women’s Head Coach at Carrollton; 9 years overall)

Staff: Tucker Rey, Morgan Dudley

If the GHSA had kept track of points at the Girls State Tournament a season ago … Carrollton would’ve been right in the mix for a top 3 finish (perhaps 2nd behind Chestatee). Much of that squad returns this season and they should be in the hunt once again. State Placer Alejandrina Griggs has graduated, but fellow State Placer Bailey Moore as well as State Qualifiers Lilianna McKinley and Katlyn Thomas return. The key for Carrollton making a push for the top spot is the continued development of Bella Moore, Sam Camp, and Cadence Wilson … all three return and could make a huge impact for the Trojans this season. Keep an eye on newcomer Madison Cooley who could turn some heads this season.

“We are very excited about the upcoming season. We have several starters coming back from last year and a good bit of new wrestlers that we can’t wait to see on the mat. We are working to be the top girls program in the state of Georgia. We know this is not going to come easy but we are ready for the challenge.”

— Coach Newton

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.

Middleburg (FL)

Head Coach: Coll Robertson (1 year as Head Coach; 1 year as Assistant Coach)

Staff: Richie Dusinberre

Middleburg qualified 4 for the state tournament a season ago and with 3 returning the future is bright for the Broncos … especially given that 2 of the 3 (Jackson Hornback and Wyatt Leduc) were freshmen in 21-22. Like so many teams … the key to how high the Broncos climb will be on the continued development of the rest of the squad - particularly region qualifiers Logan Moore, Aden Thornton, Tucker Cody, and Bryce Meldrum. If Hornback, Leduc, and fellow State Qualifier Grady Woodard can push for a spot on the podium and Moore, Thornton, Cody, and Meldrum can punch their ticket to Kissimmee … Middleburg will be tough. Add in Junior Dylan Johns and Middleburg returns 8 with post-season experience.

This is also a very young team … returning just 3 Seniors and 2 Juniors with several sophomores and 5 freshmen to watch. With 2 freshmen State Qualifiers a year ago and some talented new faces entering the room - there could be some high expectations for the Broncos. Freshmen Bryan Davis Jr., Parker Richards, Ajax Sgro, Porter Loveland, and Michael Miceli will look to make an impact this season. Middleburg could surprise a few people this year, but given the core that they are building they won’t surprise people for long.

“We return 3 state qualifiers, each of whom has put in non-stop work during the offseason and are ready to be on the podium come March. Our offseason numbers have been consistent, with new guys starting to buy into the program and what we’re trying to build. The expectation this year is for each guy to make it to the state tournament. The culture for Middleburg Wrestling has changed. The guys that have qualified before know that the expectation for them is to be a state placer. The young guys/guys who haven’t been to state are expected to make it this year.”

— Coach Robertson

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.