Montgomery Bell Academy (TN)

Head Coach: Patrick Simpson (entering season 3)

Staff: Frank Simpson, Dustin Hedmark, Michael Swett

MBA finished a solid 5th a season ago in the traditional state tournament. This is a team that has a real shot to challenge Baylor, Christian Brothers, Father Ryan, etc. for the top spot this season. MBA qualified 8 a season ago and lose just one - Matthew Hyde - to graduation. The Big Red put two in the finals last year with Gabe Fisher claiming the 220 lb. title and Mac Russ taking 2nd at 145. MBA also put 2 others on the podium … Johnothon Moore was 3rd at 195 and Hudson Frazier was 5th at 113 (Josh Tan also made the podium but isn’t listed as returning). Joining those 5 are Browning Trainer - qualifier at 182 - and Max Fisher who qualified at 285.

With 6 returners, MBA will be in the hunt. Fisher and Russ will lead the way and if the other 6 can make the podium (especially high on the podium) then this team will be in striking distance of a top 2-3 finish. In order to really challenge for the top spot they will need a few others to step up and make some noise. Keep an eye on a pair of freshmen down low in Luke Brock and Luke Johns as well as Michael Golczynski, Gray Blair, Alex Yerbich and senior Ethan Klindt. They should fill in the spots around Hudson Frazier and just before Mac Russ in the lineup. The middle part of the lineup features Claiborne Tompkins, Nathaniel Nelson, Elias Franks, Jake Frazier, Conor Corby, Carson Sberna, and Davis Crawford … locking down the middle between Russ and Browning Trainer will be important to how well MBA does this season. The strength of this lineup is up top. Browning, Jonathan Moore, Gabe Fisher, and Max Fisher should give MBA wins in nearly every dual from 182-285.

“The MBA team has a lot of experience coming back this year. We have some seasoned veterans on the mat, but more importantly, a group of young men who have developed an outstanding team culture. It will be an exciting year watching this team compete.”

— Coach Simpson

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.

Northwest (TN)

Head Coach: Chris Bedell (entering 5th year)

Staff: Cassie Maples, Roseanna Vaughn

The Northwest Girls finished 8th at the traditional state tournament a year ago, but look to rebuild after graduating most of their hammers. State Champ Roseanna Vaughn, State Runner-up Brette Spink, and State Qualifier Christina Newsom have all graduated leaving State Placer Shayanne Michalski to lead the way in 22-23. Michalski could be back at 100 lbs. and will be in the hunt for the top step after taking 5th last year.

The team will look to Katie Ann Wallace, Megan Darnell, Shantal Goburn, and Arabella Green to make some noise and help soften the impact of those that graduated this past year. The numbers for Northwest are there with the five above as well as Cavoni Pamblanco, Karli Bryant, Julianit Garcia, and Adriana Trana, but none have made their mark yet. How high the Vikings climb will likely come down to how they continue to develop. Keep an eye on Miya Chambers up top … she could be one to make some noise as well.

“We are in a rebuilding year but have had a lot of newcomers join the team. We are athletic and hungry with strong work ethic.”

— Coach Bedell

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.

Northwest (TN)

Head Coach: Chris Bedell (entering 5th year)

Staff: Levi Mueller, Blake Spink, Xavier Nylen

The Vikings finished outside the top 20 in 2A a season ago, but with returning State Qualifiers Ethan Cunningham and and Kevin Shaw they will look to be looking to break into the top 20 in 2023. Cunningham and Shaw both qualified as sophomores and each will look to climb onto the podium this season. This is a young squad that should only get better as the season progresses. Kelloen Corkrean, Derek Garis, and Roldon Timothy each competed in the post-season in 2022 and will be expected to punch their ticket this season. If the Vikings can put five through to the state tournament - they have a good shot of breaking into the top 20.

Keep an eye on Kenneth Sincere Puryear, Cade Steiner, Joshua Caleb Green, Scot Baumgartner, and John Patrick Goodings as they will look to break into the lineup and make some noise as well. Add in Henry Williams at 160 and the Vikings should be solid up top (especially from 182-285) … the key will continuing to development the bottom part of their lineup.

“This will be a different team than in the past 5 years. We had a group of boys that are driven work horses and have something to prove.”

— Coach Bedell

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.