Tom Borrelli to Head 2005 All-Star Wrestling Camp at Riverside Military Academy
Tom Borrelli, highly acclaimed head wrestling coach at Central Michigan University, will be the featured coach at the 2005 All-Star Wrestling Camp June 12-15 at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Ga. Borrelli has coached one national champion, 14 All-Americans, and 62 NCAA qualifiers.
The camp is for boys ages 12-17 and emphasizes training in technique, strength, and conditioning to improve the skills and ability of each participant. Campers will receive individual and small group instruction in beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Evening sessions will be devoted to live wrestling. The cost of the camp is $325 for boarding campers and $200 for day campers.
Other coaches and officials include Riverside head coach Errol Bisso, who has coached wrestling at RMA for 29 year and ranks in the top five coaches for wins in Georgia high school wrestling; Tracy Sanford, an All-South Wrestling Officials Association official; Paul White, assistant coach at South Forsyth High School; and John McCrary, head coach at Lumpkin County High School.
In addition to the All-Star Wrestling Camp, Riverside offers a five-week summer academic enrichment program, called Summer Opportunity & Academic Review (SOAR), and a variety of day and residential camps.
For more information, please call Riverside Military Academy's admissions office at 770-532-6251, ext. 2119, or visit the school's website at www.cadet.com.
Tucker Wrestling Coach Killed in Home Invasion
Tucker High School Head Wrestling coach Bill Venable and his son Bill,
Jr. were killed during a home invasion attack on Tuesday night in their
Gwinnett County home. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, his
team, and his school. More details are available from the Atlanta
Journal Constitution.
Tucker High coach, son slain in home invasion; suspect killed by police
By MIKE MORRIS
Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of
Action Sports International
Members of the Venable family include (from left), daughter Amy, Bill,
son Bill, and wife Susan.
Today's coverage
* Three die in home invasion
* 'It makes no sense': Tucker High students stunned by deaths
* Photos from the scene and school
*DeKalb/Rockdale community page
* Gwinnett community page
A longtime teacher and coach at Tucker High School and his 17-year-old
son were killed Tuesday night during a home invasion in Gwinnett
County.
Gwinnett police said Coach Bill Venable's home was the second house the
suspect had barged into during a late-night crime spree that ended when
police shot and killed the suspect.
"Lilburn police responded to a home invasion [on Lula Street]," said
Gwinnett police Cpl. Dan Huggins. "The suspect came into the residence,
demanded money, and also stole a red Honda Civic."
The suspect then drove the stolen car about a mile to the Woodfalls
subdivision in Lilburn, where he entered Venable's house on Woodfall
Way, "and that's when the killing started," Huggins said.
"The suspect entered that residence, and there were three people home,
a male, a female and their son," he said. "The suspect got into some
type of struggle with the 55-year-old male, and the son came downstairs
to see what the commotion was."
The man -- later identified as the Tucker coach -- and his son, Bill
Venable Jr., were shot.
The teen died at the scene, and his father died later at Gwinnett
Medical Center.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot into nearby woods.
Helicopters and dogs were called in to track the suspect, and the
suspect opened fire on a police dog, hitting the dog twice.
At that point, two Gwinnett police officers shot the suspect, Huggins
said.
The unidentified suspect, who appeared to be in his early 20s, died at
Gwinnett Medical Center.
Special
Aryn, the police dog shot by the suspect, is expected to recover.
The police dog, shot in the leg and chest, was taken to an emergency
veterinary clinic and was expected to survive, Huggins said.
A neighbor of the Venables, Delores Hendrix, said Venable's wife,
Susan, was not hurt in the attack.
"I'm just making sure she's OK," Hendrix said Wednesday. "She came to
my house. We've been neighbors for years. We're still obviously very
distraught over what happened. It's just a horrible thing."
Tucker High School principal Scott Butler said Hendrix, who is in his
Sunday School class, called him shortly after the shootings to tell him
what had happened.
Police were not sure how the suspect entered the Venable home, Huggins
said. "There does not appear that there was forced entry into the
house," he said. "We don't know if the door was open or what the
situation was at this point."
Huggins said the shooter apparently chose his victims at random.
"We don't have anything to indicate that this individual was ...
connected to either residence," Huggins said.
According to the Tucker Tigers football team's Website, Venable and his
wife had four children, a 19-year-old daughter, Amy, and sons Stephen,
27, Eddie, 24, and Bill Jr., 17.
Venable, who also coached the girl's track team and taught special
education classes, received his bachelor's degree from the University of
Georgia, and earned a master's degree from Georgia State University.
He had taught in the DeKalb school system for 25 years, the last 16 at
Tucker High School. He formerly taught at the old Walker and Shamrock
high schools.
Bill Venable Jr. was a senior at Tucker High School, and played center
on the varsity football team.
Before classes started, Erica Ulmer, a high school junior, described
the elder Venable as a a caring teacher. "He was very passionate about
his coaching," she said.
She added that she was hesitant to go into the school building. "It's
hard to go in there right now because everyone is crying."
Tucker Principal Scott Butler said the school would hold a moment of
silence to remember the Venables Wednesday morning and and that
officials would make an announcement about the deaths to students at
8:15 a.m.
Crisis teams also were at the school to talk with students.
Butler said Venable, who also taught special education students, had
been at the school earlier Tuesday night for a wrestling meet.
Next-door neighbor Carla Parris called Bill Jr. "wonderful and polite,
the perfect son -- everything was 'yes ma'am,' and 'yes, Mrs. Parris.'
"
Parris, an administrator at Hughes Spalding Children's Hospital in
Atlanta, said the teen often babysat for her children, 10-year-old
Stephanie and 7-year-old Winston.
"Bill was the type of person, if I was really in a jam, I'd say, 'Bill,
I've got to have a babysitter,' and he'd go, 'fine.' "
Parris said her family had lived next to the Venables for nearly nine
years.
"I don't know how to explain this to my kids," she said. "What am I
going to tell them?
Parkview Rolls To Gwinnett Invitational Title
by Daniel Bredy
Of eleven Panthers represented in the championship finals, six brought
home individual titles as Parkview dominated the field in winning the
2004 Gwinnett Invitational wrestling tournament. The Panthers were the
only team to place all their wrestlers and outscored fellow Gwinnett
County rival Collins Hill 352.5 to 278.5. Collins Hill brought home five
individual titles in taking second place. Lee County wrapped up third
place with 181.5 points and one individual title. In addition to the
team title, Parkview wrestlers Josh Matlack (125 pounds) and Keith
Hudson (215 pounds) were awarded Outstanding Lightweight and Heavyweight
Wrestler respectively.
The finals featured five matchups between Collins Hill and Parkview
wrestlers. At 112, Collins Hill's Cody Black ran his record against
Parkview's Jesse Miller to 2-0 with a 7-2 victory. In the 125 pound
final Parkview's Josh Matlack, the meet's Outstanding Lightweight
wrestler, ended Collins Hill's cardiac kid, Michael Johns' bid for a
third straight come from behind victory 6-5. At 130, Collins Hill's
Tyler Parker bested Parkview's Daniel Mabee 9-3. Collins Hill's Nick
Lukacs kept his record perfect with a 13-1 dismantling of Parkview's
Josh Matlack to take home the 145 pound crown. In the 215 pound final
Parkview's Keith Hudson showed why he was chosen the meet's Oustanding
Heavyweight with a 20-8 domination of Collins Hill's Leon DeLain.
In other key finals matchups, Collins Hill's Clay Gray capped a great
tournament run that began with a 15 - 8 upending of Dacula's Dusty
Jenkins (3rd State 2003) with a 13-5 defeat of Norcross' Joey Anschulz
for the 135 pound title.
In another close finals match, Parkview's Matt Huff edged North
Gwinnett's Richard Andrews 3-0 for the 119 pound crown.
Shiloh's Derek Vorherr may have had one of the more exciting matches in
the tourney, shocking Parkview's Brett Baird in the 140 pound
championship semifinals. With the score tied 9-all Baird got an escape
to go up 10-9. Vorherr was able to take Baird to his back for an
eventual 15-9 victory. However Collins Hill's Sean Patrick ended
Vorherr's championship hopes 10-2 in the 140 pound final.
For Collins Hill the tournament featured the return to the lineup of
119 pounder Thomas Knapp and 189 pounder Tyler Stadulius who managed 3rd
and 4th place finishes respectively.
Final Team Standings
Parkview 352.5
Collins Hill 278.5
Lee County 181.5
Loganville 137.5
Norcross 127.5
Madison County 127
East Coweta 123
Brookwood 107
North Gwinnett 102.5
South Gwinnett 100.5
Grayson 92
Dacula 88
Camden County 77
Eagles Landing 74
Redemptorist, Baton Rouge, LA 67
Duluth 37
Lakeside-Evans 37
Shiloh 29
Oconee County 28
Central Gwinnett 26
St. Francis 25
Berkmar 16
Meadowcreek 16
Peachtree Ridge 1
Championship final results and placers
103
Ryan Galloway (Parkview) d. Derek Roetman (East Coweta) by Fall
3: Conley Pines, Lee County
4: Brooks Tait, South Gwinnett
5: Justin Keaton, Eagle's Landing
6: Chris Hart, Norcross
112
Cody Black (Collins Hill) d. Jesse Miller (Parkview) 7-2
3: Darnell Jones, Norcross
4: Kyle Watkins, Loganville
5: Thomas Skowronski, North Gwinnett
6: Brian Jack, Lee County
119
Matt Huff (Parkview) d. Richard Andrews (North Gwinnett) 3-0
3: Thomas Knapp, Collins Hill
4: Josh Stripling, Lee County
5: Josh Campbell, Eagle's Landing
6: Seiji Ijuin, Brookwood
125
Josh Matlack (Parkview) d. Michael Johns (Collins Hill) 6-5
3: Richie Boland, St. Francis
4: Tim Mitcham, Lakeside-Evans
5: Matt Moulder, Dacula
6: Andrew Swanson, Grayson
130
Tyler Parker (Collins Hill) d. Daniel Mabee (Parkview) 9-3
3: Walker Overstreet, Madison County
4: BJ Jolly, Grayson
5: D.T. Peek, Lee County
6: Eric Hill, Loganville
135
Clay Gray (Collins Hill) d. Joey Anschultz (Norcross) 13-5
3: Cory O'Brien, East Coweta
4: Matt Stewart, Parkview
5: Blake Snyder, Loganville
6: Joey Tiller, Grayson
140
Sean Patrick (Collins Hill) d. Derek Vorherr (Shiloh) 10-2
3: Brett Baird, Parkview
4: John Hall, East Coweta
5: Wes Cashion, South Gwinnett
6: Tyler Johnson, Madison County
145
Nick Lukacs (Collins Hill) d. John Matlack (Parkview) 13-1
3: Luke Smith, Lee County
4: Kyle Flavin, East Coweta
5: Cory Fulks, Brookwood
6: Justin Ivey, Norcross
152
Nick Thompson (Brookwood) d. Zac Tharpe (Dacula) 8-4
3: Luke Smith, Lee County
4: Alex Luke, Camden County
5: Marcus King, Norcross
6: Stephen Wilson, Parkview
160
Steven Stromie (Parkview) d. Kevin Cash (Madison County) 16-4
3: Michael Bullard, South Gwinnett
4: Will Turner, North Gwinnett
5: Jason Caputo, Grayson
6: Joey Manfre, Duluth
171
Kyle McKee (Parkview) d. Jason Wright (Lee County) by Fall
3: Josh Cragin, Loganville
4: Doug Eggars, South Gwinnett
5: Conrad Carey, Madison County
6: Philip White, Collins Hill
189
Mark Arnold (Madison County) d. Wade Hudson (Parkview) by Forfeit
3: Adam Meeks, Lee County
4: Tyler Stadulius, Collins Hill
5: Lucas Leboeuf, Redemptorist
6: Darryl Cloer, Loganville
215
Keith Hudson (Parkview) d. Leon DeLain (Collins Hill) 20-8
3: Drew Glenn, Eagle's Landing
4: Oliver Martinez, Norcross
5: Jared Scallan, Redemptorist
6: Ben Smith, South Gwinnett
275
Lewis Brooks (Lee County) d. Sean Yin (Parkview) by Fall
3: Terrence Blake, Camden County
4: Brent Smith, North Gwinnett
5: Jimmy Simien, Norcross
6: Jake Mauldien, Dacula
Outstanding Lightweight - Josh Matlack (Parkview)
Outstanding Heavyweight - Keith Hudson (Parkview)
Collins Hill Surges Ahead of Field to Win Chattahoochee Invitational
by Daniel Bredy
Chattahoochee High School - Collins Hill started the second day of the
Chattahoochee Invitational trailing leader Centennial 77.5 to 81.5 but
got clutch performances from their wrestlers to surge ahead of a closely
bunched field to win the 2004 Gwinnett Invitational Wrestling
tournament. Centennial ended in second place with 187 points to Collins
Hill's 218. 1A power Jefferson edged Henry County for third 176.5 to
174.
No win was larger than senior Nick Lukacs' victory over Centennial's
Sam Konigsberg in the 145 pound final. The highly anticipated matchup
pitting two state champs (Konigsberg won the 2003 145 pound 5A state
championship and Lukacs won the 2003 135 pound 5A state championship),
could serve as a preview of this year's 145 pound 5A state championship
final.
The opening period had lots of activity but no scoring. In the second
period, Lukacs took down. As Konigsberg attempted to turn Lukacs to
score, Lukacs engineered a reversal that put him up 2 - 0. Later in the
period, Lukacs was charged with a dangerous move, and Konigsberg awarded
a point to draw to within 2-1. Still down 2-1 in the third, Konigsberg
tried desperately to escape, but Lukacs would not relinquish control and
the match ended with Lukacs getting the 2-1 victory.
In a closely contested tournament where every point counts, Collins
Hill's performance in the consolation round may have made the
difference. The Eagle's Clay Gray avenged a first round 11-9 overtime
loss to Northview's Michael Latham in the consolation 135 pound
semifinals and would eventually go on to take third for the Eagles. Sean
Patrick also fought back from an early round loss to make the 140 pound
consolation final, but fell for the second time in as many days to Henry
County's Walker Daniel and settled for fourth.
Collins Hill got titles from Thomas Knapp (119), Tyler Parker (130),
and Outstanding Heavyweight Nick Lukacs (145), while second place
Centennial countered with titles from Matt Johnston (135), and Nick
Nabors (171).
The host Chattahoochee got its only title from Matt Ory who kept his
season record perfect with a 4-1 victory over Woodstock's Tripp Taylor
for the 215 pound crown. Dawson County's Adam Kimbrell (112) was voted
the meet's Outstanding Lightweight Wrestler.
Team Standings (Top 10)
Collins Hill 218
Centennial 187
Jefferson 176.5
Henry County 174
Dublin 144.5
Lassiter 124.5
Dawson County 95.5
Alexander 90.5
Chattahoochee 89
Fayette County 88
Individual Finals Results and Standings
103
1. Josh Robinson (Alexander) d. Chad Kellet (Henry County) 4 -2
3: Blake Osburn (Dublin)
4: Caleb Beckwith (Jefferson)
5: Sam Morley (North Cobb)
6: Michael St. James (Centennial)
112
1. Adam Kimbrell (Dawson County) d. Cody Black (Collins Hill) 18 - 9
3: Kyle Baird (Jefferson)
4: Drew Yarborough (Henry County)
5: Jeff Burch (Woodstock)
6: Thomas Skowronski (North Gwinnett)
119
1. Thomas Knapp (Collins Hill) d. Richard Andrews (North Gwinnett) 9 -
5
3: Mike Jacoutot (Lassiter)
4: Michael Klug (Centennial)
5: Thomas Kimbrell (Dawson County)
6: Robbie Epperson (Henry County)
125
1: Brett Warrington (Henry County) d. Michael Johns (Collins Hill) 9 -
5
3: Clint Capes (Alexander)
4: Aaron Segar (Centennial)
5: Ellis Logeman (North Gwinnett)
6: Deon McClendon (Dublin)
130
1: Tyler Parker (Collins Hill) d. John Queiroz (Wheeler) 7-1
3: Kenny Epperson (Henry County)
4: Jeremy Fowler (Fayette County)
5: Will Roper (Jefferson)
6: Jason Gould (Alexander)
135
1: Matt Johnston (Centennial) d. Josh Herrin (Dublin) 5-4
3: Clay Gray (Collins Hill)
4: Chris West (North Gwinnett)
5: Michael Lanham (Northview)
6: Brent Connell (Woodstock)
140
1: Demario Jones (Dublin) d. Derek Vorherr (Shiloh) 7 - 0
3: Walker Daniel (Henry County)
4: Sean Patrick (Collins Hill)
5: Kyle Knox (South Forsyth)
6: Chris Lower (Dawson County)
145
1: Nick Lukacs (Collins Hill) d. Sam Konigsberg (Centennial) 2 - 1
3: J. J. Brushaber (Jefferson)
4: Tyler Faulkner (Henry County)
5: Zach Martin (Dawson County)
6: Stanley (Fayette County)
152
1: Justin Ransom (Alexander) d. Mark McManus (Centennial) 8 - 1
3: Jason Fields (Jefferson)
4: David Stanley (Dublin)
5: Brian Bargo (Henry County)
6: Nick Flaherty (Collins Hill)
160
1: Forrest Garner (Jefferson) d. John Robinson (Centennial) 9 - 2
3: Brett Winzeler (Chattahoochee)
4: Corey Autrey (Henry County)
5: Will Turner (North Gwinnett)
6: Marcus Allen (Dublin)
171
1: Nick Nabors (Centennial) d. Sean Catlett (Lassiter) 7 - 3
3: Kenion Rogers (Chattahoochee)
4: Brandon Antoskow (Milton)
5: Kyle Huffman (South Forsythe)
6: Jesse Fowler (Jefferson)
189
1: Cody Runnels (Lassiter) d. Stuart White (Woodstock) 7 - 2
3: Cory Philips (Dublin)
4: Josh Deadrick (Chattahoochee)
5: Jake Gurley (Jefferson)
6: Tyler Stadulius (Collins Hill)
215
1: Matt Ory (Chattahoochee) d. Tripp Taylor (Woodstock) 4-2
3: Drew Price (Lassiter)
4: Marc Baskett (Jefferson)
5: Leon DeLain (Collins Hill)
6: Dominique Small (Dublin)
275
1: Drake McCoy (Fayette County) d. Jimmy McCrory (Lassiter) 11-2
3: Donald Roberts (Dawson County)
4: Robert Thomas (Collins Hill)
5: Seth Love (Jefferson)
6: Alonzo Henry (Wheeler)
Outstanding Lightweight - Adam Kimbrell (Dawson County) 112
Outstanding Heavyweight - Nick Lukacs (Collins Hill) 145
2004 Coal Mountain Classic
at North Forsyth High School
The Coal Mountain Classic turned out to be everything that was
expected. Several great matches by many different wrestlers along with a
dominating team performance by Lovett. Several weight classes were
stacked with quality wrestlers from many different classifications.
Probably the toughest weight class in the tournament turned out to be
at the 160 lb weight class. This weight class had T.H. Leet from
Westminster battling Aaron Glover from Gainesville in the finals. Leet
won the match with a 7-3 decision in a match that exemplified the
extraordinary skills of both these talented wrestlers. There were other
dominating performances by Zach Woolum (152) of Hiram, 18-4 over Myers
of Lovett, Travis Hendrix (103) of Gainesville, 18-6 over McGahee of
Hiram, Lansing Lee (135) of Lovett over Miller of North Forsyth and Mark
Arnold (189) of Madison County's pin of Matt Nelson of North Forsyth.
Team Results
Lovett - 196
Lumpkin County - 104
North Forsyth - 95
Madison County - 94.5
Westminster - 93.5
Riverwood - 74.5
Gilmer - 72
Gainesville - 72
Hiram - 62
Forsyth Central - 60
Jackson County - 13
Individual Results
103
1st - Travis Hendrix (Gainesville)
2nd - Chris McGahee (Hiram)
3rd - Randy Wright (Lovett)
4th - Tyler Phillips (Forsyth Central)
112
1st - Whit Sibley (Lov)
2nd - Eric Head (Lumpkin)
3rd - Alex Ball (Riverwood)
4th - Tyler Fitzgerald (N. Forsyth)
119
1st - Robert Thrasher (Lov)
2nd - Howell Burke (Westminster)
3rd - Tyler Odem (Lum)
4th - Dustin Hicks (Gai)
125
1st - David Giles (Madison Co.)
2nd - Schroder Voyles (Lov)
3rd - Josh Pledger (NF)
4th - Matt Levy (Riv)
130
1st - Steven Kim (Wes)
2nd - Adam Domanico (Lov)
3rd - Heath Westray (NF)
4th - Walker Overstreet (Mad)
135
1st - Lansing Lee (Lov)
2nd - Matt Miller (NF)
3rd - Kory Warren (Wes)
4th - Nate Mosley (Gilmer)
140
1st - Tyler Johnson Mad)
2nd - Will Stringer (Lov)
3rd - Joshua Hensley (Gil)
4th - Matt Waldron (NF)
145
1st - John Egan (Lov)
2nd - William Warren (Wes)
3rd - Alex Haney (NF)
4th - Joshua Snider (Gil)
152
1st - Zach Woolum (Hir)
2nd - Chad Myer (Lov)
3rd - Bo Wresn (Gai)
4th - Ryan Moffit (FC)
160
1st - T.H. Leet (Wes)
2nd - Aaron Glover (Gai)
3rd - Kevin Cash (Mad)
4th - Robert McVay (Jax)
171
1st - Josh Ghobadpoor (Lum)
2nd - Jaime Kauffman (Riv)
3rd - Jack Richards (Lov)
4th - Andrew Burnette (Gil)
189
1st - Mark Arnold (Mad)
2nd - Matt Nelson (NF)
3rd - William Cherry (Lov)
4th - William McClure (Lum)
215
1st - Neil McLean (Lum)
2nd - Jerry Warren (FC)
3rd - Stuart Goble (Gil)
4th - Tony Newman (Gai)
275
1st - Nate Fraizer (Riv)
2nd - Zach Morrison (FC)
3rd - Josh Adair (Lum)
4th - Dewayne Bentley (Hir)
Jeff Walrich
Physical Education 3rd-5th
Head Wrestling Coach
GWCA President
Georgia State Wrestling Editor
The Westminster Schools
1424 West Paces Ferry Road N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30327
404-367-5089
JeffWalrich@Westminster.net
Collins Hill wins Walton Duals
December 6, 2003 -- After losing four straight duals to McEachern
dating back to the 2002 5A State Duals, the Collin Hill Eagles finally
bested their rivals to make the 1st place match against Tennessee's
McCallie High School at the Walton Duals. However the victory was
anything but easy. Despite losing all but four starters (including 3
state champions) from last year's State 5A Duals and Individuals
championship team to graduation, the Indians gave Collins Hill all they
could handle. For Collins Hill, Michael Johns scored valuable points at
125 pounds by upending last year's 5A 103 pound state champion Anton
Prater 9 - 3. For McEachern, no victory could have been bigger than Jake
Jackson's pin of Collins Hill's Nick Flaherty at 152 with the Indians
down 32-22 and only two matches remaining. The victory allowed the
Indians to edge closer, 32-28, and set the stage for Will Arnold's 10-0
victory at 160, knotting the final score at 32-32. With the score tied
criteria would come into play with Collins Hill getting the edge because
of scoring more technical falls. The victory would give Collins Hill the
pool championship (3-0) and advance them to the 1st place match against
McCallie, winners of the other pool. Against McCallie, Collins Hill's
Eagles traded falls early before receiving two forfeits at 103 and 112
to take a 24-12 lead. The Eagles then went on to win the next 4 matches
to take a commanding 38-12 lead. McCallie got a fall from Cody Cleveland
and an 11-2 victory from Jusin Blair to cut the lead to 38-22 before
Nick Lukacs at 145 clinched an Eagles victory with a pin. Falls from
McCallie's Adam Smith and Ryan Scott could only make the final score
respectable as the Eagles would emerge victorious 44-34 to lock up first
place.
McEachern recovered from their loss to Collins Hill to defeat Walton
39-26 and take 3rd.
In a field that held several of the state's best teams, here is a recap
of some of the more significant matches.
Round 1
Pool A
McEachern 49, Pope 21
Collins Hill 39, Centennial 24
Pool B
Walton 68, Lee County 9
Starr's Mill 33, McCallie 31
Round 2
Pool A
McEachern 48, Centennial 20
Collins Hill 60, Pope 7
Pool B
Walton 41, Starr's Mill 19
McCallie 48, Lee County 30
Round 3
Pool A
Collins Hill 32, McEachern 32 (Collins Hill wins on criteria)
Centennial 43, Pope 26
Collins Hill wins pool A 3-0
Pool B
McCallie 46, Walton 30
McCallie wins pool B 2-1 (three-way tie, McCallie advances on
criteria)
Round 4
1st place match - Collins Hill 44, McCallie 34
3rd place match - McEachern 39, Walton 26
5th place match - Centennial 48, Starrs Mill 258
7th place match - Pope39, Lee County 35
Matches of note
Round 1
119 - Anton Prater (McEachern) d. Andy Winiarczyk (Pope) 18-9
125 - Michael Johns (Collins Hill) d. Aaron Segar (Centennial) 18-8
135 - Cody Cleveland (McCallie) d. Mike Cosper (Starr's Mill) 6-2
160 - Dallas Anthony (Pope) d. Will Arnold (McEachern) 6-5
Round 2
125 - Aaron Segar (Centennial) d. Kevin Purvine (McEachern) fall
130 - Andy Olsen (Walton) d. Tyler Kourajian (Starr's Mill) fall
135 - Carl Waller (Walton) d. Mike Cosper (Starr's Mill) 22-7
145 - Nick Lukacs (Collins Hill) d. Caleb Anthony (Pope) 5-0
160 - Sam Konigsberg (Centennial) d. Will Arnold (McEachern) 10-7
Round 3
135 - Carl Waller (Walton) d. Cody Cleveland (McCallie) 16-14
160 - Sam Konigsberg (Centennial) d. Dallas Anthony (Pope) 10-2
Finals
130 - Andy Olsen (Walton) d. Drew Shealy (McEachern) 8-2
Jeff Walrich
Physical Education 3rd-5th
Head Wrestling Coach
GWCA President
Georgia State Wrestling Editor
The Westminster Schools
1424 West Paces Ferry Road N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30327
404-367-5089
JeffWalrich@Westminster.net
Region 1
Well we are less than a month away from the first official day of practice and only two months away from the first matches. I will kick off this years Region previews with the Class AAAA, hopefully this will tide you over until Bob releases his Class AAAAA previews.
Lets kick things off with Region 1
Last year Region 1 came away with 6 state placers, one of which was heavyweight state champ Robin Hurst of Thomas County Central. I have not received too much information from this region, but I do know that three of last years state placers have graduated, one will be back for his senior year, and I don't know what grade the other two are in.
1. Ware County- The Gators look to be returning a very strong team, bringing back 9 state qualifiers from a team that scored 52 points at state last year and finished in the top 20. Ware will be led by returning state placer Matt Lee. Matt finished 6th last year at 171 and is looking to move up on the podium this year. Also looking to help Ware this year will be seniors Dustin Williams (Region Champ at 145) and Louie Osti (3 wins at state last year at 140). Ware should again qualify a large number of wrestlers to state because of the 5-team region.
2. Thomas County Central- Have not had any response on the grades levels of this team, and this is the only reason I do not have them at number 1 in the region, too many unknowns. Last year TCC finished 13th in the state tournament with 71 points. They were led by heavyweight and State Champ Robin Hurst. Last Year TCC had an impressive 7 region champs and 13 state qualifiers. Don't expect TCC to stray too far from these numbers again this year.
- Need grade level for: 103 Murphy, 112 Newberry, 119 Jones, 125 J. Williams, 130 Dobson, 135 Copeland, 140 Lovejoy, 145 J. Clark, 152 C. Williams, 160 Carver, 171 C. Clark, 189 Rice, 275 Hurst
3. Crisp County- Another school I have gotten very little information on. Last year they finished 30th in the state with 37 points. They were led by Chris Davis who finished 6th in the state and I am not certain if he graduated or not. Last season Crisp had 10 State qualifiers and 2 of them were state placers. The loss of 4th place finisher Lester will hurt this teams state potential, but they should qualify 10 or more wrestlers.
- Need grade level for: 112 Rambo, 119 Kimbrell, 130 Davis, 140 Ford, 171 A. Williams, 215 Montford, 275 Hill
4. Bainbridge- I have received no information on Bainbridge. Last year they had 8 state qualifiers that scored 11 points at state, for a 58th place finish.
- Need grade level for: 125 Green, 135 Hamilton, 145, Williams, 152 Richardson, 160 Weeks, 171 Sheppard, 215 Hall, 275 Dollar
5. Dougherty- Led by the state finalist appearance of graduate Brandon Beach Dougherty racked up 30 points last year for a 37th place finish. Well Beach is gone and I do not have any information on anyone else. Last year Dougherty had seven state qualifiers.
- Need grade level info for: 103 Williams, 119 Thomas, 125 Brown, 135 Moreland, 152 Ridley, 215 Jackson
Known returning state placers:
171 Matt Lee Sr. (Ware Co)- 6th Place
Unknown State Placers:
130 Chris Davis (Crisp Co)- 6th Place
275 Robin Hurst (Thomas County Central)- 1st Place
Graduated State Placers:
160 Rontavious Lester (Crisp Co)- 4th Place
189 Daniel Williams (Ware Co)- 4th Place
189 Brandon Beach (Dougherty)- 2nd Place
Region 2
Last year this region produced 8 state placers, 4 of them are returning. This region ought to be a dogfight for 2-4 slots in the team race, but I am not sure if anyone will have the firepower to unseat a tough Troup squad.
1- Troup- Of the 8 state placers that came from region 2 last year 4 of them wrestled for the Tigers. 2 of those 4 will be returning this year. The Tigers were very tough in the upperweights last year and it led them to 115 points and a fourth place finish at state last year. This season the Tigers will be led by their two lightweights, state placers Bear Goodson (2nd at 103) and Alex Barnes (4th at 112) are both going to be Juniors this year. Two others to keep your eye on are also Juniors Cody Longoria (145 last year) and Shawn Cavender (160 LY), both were Area Champions. Look for another top 5 state finish out of this Georgia wrestling powerhouse.
- Need grade levels for: 119 Lowery, 125 Barber, 130 Jennings, 140 Holmes
2. Jordan- The Red Jackets return 4 region finalists from last season's team that finished 46th in the state last year with 18.5 points. They have one region champion from last year's squad Senior Chad Taylor who took the 130-pound region crown last year. Returning region runner-ups are 103- Barry Sobasky, 135 Steven Nessorottle, and 275 Brian Willis.
-Need grade levels for: 145 Discarsis, 189 Toone
3. Shaw- The Raiders will be looking to improve on a top 15 state performance (14th) from last year, and will be led by 3rd place finisher William Blair (171 LY). Blair lost a close match in the 2nd round at state last year and fought his way back through the losers bracket with tough wins over Lee (Ware) and season long rival Hannibal (Troup). Blair has demonstrated his ability and will be one of the favorites for a state championship this year. Looking to help Blair lead the Raiders will be senior region runner-up DJ Henry (145 LY) and Senior Clayton Moore (112 LY). Tough Bracket luck hurt both of these wrestlers last year, so watch for both to push for top 6 honors this season.
- Need grade levels for: 103 Loyed, 135 Bourne
4. Columbus- Returning for the Blue Devils is 6th place finisher Senior Will Jackson. Jackson made the semi-finals last year after winning the region at 112. Coming back to help Columbus will be Junior Heavyweight and region champ Paul Fahnstock. They finished up last year with 32 points for a 35th place state finish
-Need grade levels for: 103 Alexander, 130 Stokes, 145 Liscar
5. Kendrick- Scored 25.5 points last year for a 41st place finish. Need grade level for: 215 Stovall, 275 Williams
6. Spencer- Scored 15 points at state last year. Need grade level for: 119 Sampson, 125 Pendegrass, 135 Tyson
7. Upson-Lee- Scored 2 points at state last year. Need grade levels for: 119 Andrews, 152 Greene
8. Harris Co- Scored 20 points at state last year. Need grade levels for: 152 Turner, 189 Williams, 275 Bland
9. Hardaway- Scored 10 points at state last year.
10. Northside, Columbus- Need grade level for: 140 Lundy
Known Returning State Placers
103 Bear Goodson Jr (Troup)- 2nd Place
112 Alex Barnes Jr (Troup)- 4th Place
112 Will Jackson Sr (Columbus)- 6th Place
171 William Blair Sr (Shaw)- 3rd Place
Unknown State Placers
None
Graduated State Placers
140 Alonzo Talley (Kendrick)- 5th Place
171 William Hannibal (Troup)- 4th Place
189 Chris Taylor (Troup)- 3rd Place
189 Nate Schrader (Columbus)- 5th Place
Region 3
I have received virtually no response to my pleas for information on this region, so I am relegated to tell you what came out of this region last year. Region 3 produced 3 state placers last year, one of which has graduated to UTC to wrestle for Coach Brands. One of them was a super freshman and will be back this year to try and improve on his 3rd place finish. I have no Idea if the third state placer from this region will be back or not. This region had a combined state record of 65-109 last season and it looks to be a two-team race based on past performances.
1. Lakeside, Evans- Scored 58.5 points at the state tournament last year and a state champion at 160 pounds in Justin Otis highlighted their season. Otis has graduated and will be wrestling for the Mocs of UTC. I don't have any information on any other wrestler for the Panthers, so I can't really give much more of an outlook.
- Need grade level info for: 103 Miller, 119 Mitchum, 125 Lee, 130 Ingham, 135 Hill, 140 Carter, 171 Bartasis, 189 Jasinski, 215 Lonjue
2. Jones Co- Scored 35.5 points last year for a 33rd place finish at state. They will be led by sophomore Nate Carr Jr. Carr finished 3rd in state last year at 140, and showed flashes of greatness despite being extremely sick for both days of the tournament. He is a logical pick by many to pick up his first state title this season no matter what weight he goes.
- Need grade levels for: 103 J. Sargent, 112 Childers, 119 G Sargent, 130 Lord
3. Butler- The Bulldogs were led to 45 points and a 24th place finish at state by 215-pound wrestler Jonna Lee and his 4th place finish. I have no idea who will be coming back for Butler this season so any help you may have would be appreciated.
- Need grade levels for: 112 Bradly, 145 Harper, 152 Smart, 160 Harris, 171 Roulhac, 189 Smallwood, 215 Lee, 275 Dumas
4. Hephzibah- 17 points at State last year. Need grade levels for: 112 Johnson, 119 Berry, 125 L. Lawson, 130 Lanham, 135 Miller, 145 M. Lawson, 152 Bonner, 160 Calvin
5. Green Brier- 16.5 points at state last year. Need grade levels for: 119 Beckworth, 125 Kennedy, 130 Siebe, 135 Spoon, 140 Ogletree, 145 Inouye, 215 Smith, 275 Adkins
6. Baldwin- 15 points at state last year. Need grade levels for: 125 Snider, 152 Veal, 171 Allen, 189 Reece, 275 Harrison
7. Glenn Hills- 9 points at state last year. Need grade levels for: 103 J. Borowski, 112 S. Borowski, 135 Saunders, 160 Cooper, 171 Weems, 215 Abrahms
8. Burke Co.- 4 points at state last year. Need grade levels for: 140 Delaigle, 189 Babb
9. Cross Creek- 3 points at state last year: Need grade levels for: 103 Parks, 145 Borja, 152 Hart
Known Returning State Placers
140 Nate Carr Jr. So (Jones County)- 3rd Place
Unknown State Placers
215 Jonna Lee (Butler)- 4th Place
Graduated State Placers
160 Justin Otis (Lakeside, Evans) 1st Place
Region 4
This is a very talented region that could is very comparable to region 7; they just don't have quite the depth of their neighbors to the north. I expect to see four teams separate themselves from the rest of the pack in this region. Those four teams will be battling each other all year long and with the loss of so many studs from this region (9 of 12 state placers) anyone of these four teams can come out on top. This region is returning 3 state placers, two of them will be seniors and one of them I am pretty sure is coming back, but I don't know his grade level.
1. Alexander- I will give the preseason nod to the Cougars based on the fact that they are returning 6 state qualifiers and 5 of them will be seniors. 2 of these returnees are region champs and 2 others were runner-ups. Senior Justin Ransom who placed 3rd at 152 lbs last season should lead them. Alexander looks to get a lot of support from Josh Robinson, who was a region champ last season at 103. Also pitching in will be seniors Jason Gould (130 LY), Tim Strickland (140 LY), and Jared Laymon (215 LY). Look for additional assistance from region runner up Brandon Kopp a junior who wrestled 112 last year. Despite losing 5 state qualifiers to graduation, 2 of which were state placers the cougars should have a very successful year if Coach Cornell can adequately fill in the spots vacated by the graduation of five state qualifiers, two of which went on to place at state. Last season Alexander scored 102 points and finished 5th at the state tournament, they also finished 3rd at the state duals. They might have to stretch a little to be able to repeat those feats. Their loss of so many seniors will hurt their chances in the Dual tournament, but the quality of their returnees may give them an edge at the traditional state tournament.
2. Northgate- Right now Northgate looks to be on even par with Alexander, and they were not hit quite so hard by graduation. Leading Coach Anderson's Viking squad will be a pair of seniors, Brandon Veasey who placed 4th at a very tough 130 pound weight class last season, and Nick Kimbro who was stopped two rounds shy of placing by Alexander's Ransom at 152 pounds last year. The two seniors will be helped by two region runner-up finishers in soph. Brandon Jordan (103 LY) and Junior Paul Rollins (160 LY). The Vikings return a total of 5 state qualifiers that helped compile 51 points at state last year, good for a 22nd place finish.
3. Woodward Academy- Talk about being hurt by graduation, Woodward lost three state finalists from a year ago when they finished 6th with 98.5 points. The War Eagles do return 7 state qualifiers which is tops in the region, but only two of those returnees were region finalists. Evan Sturgis (135 LY) and Gino Brogden (275 LY) both finished 2nd in the region last season, and I am not sure if Brogden is returning or not. Other returning state qualifiers are Aaron Cirulnick (103 LY), Kirk Bouley (130 LY), Ryan Sparrow (152 LY), Tayo Tinubu (160 LY), and Carl Westmoreland (171 LY). Cirulnik, Tinubu, and Westmoreland will all be seniors this year.
- Need grade level for: 275 Brogden
4. Lithia Springs- The Lions finished last season with an 8th place finish at the state tournament by scoring 91.5 points. They return five state qualifiers and four of them will be seniors. Matt Poole (112 LY, Jason Pridemore (145 LY), Harold Dodson (152 LY), and Matt Long (275 LY) will lead the Lions this year. Pridemore and Brandon Penny (119 LY) are the only returning region finalists from last year and both of them took 2nd place. This group of five will be a strong core for a team to be built around and if Coach Hand can add some quality supporters around them Lithia will be in contention for both the Region Duals title and the Traditional title, another top ten state finish would not be entirely out of the question as well, if the five stars of this team all can improve on their performances in Rome from last year.
5. Chapel Hill- Finished 29th last year with 41.5 points. Need grade levels for: 140 P. Anderson, 145 Sullivan, 160 S. Anderson, 171 Willis
6. Pebblebrook- Scored 24 points last year. Need grade level for 125 Davis
7. Forest Park- Scored 20.5 points last year. Need grade level for: 189 Henry
8. Sandy Creek- Scored 11 points last year. Need grade level for: 119 Whitley, 135 Beard, 145 Morgan
9. Douglas County- Scored 1 point last year.
10. North Clayton
Known Returning State Placers
130 Brandon Veasey sr (Northgate)- 4th Place
152 Justin Ransom sr (Alexander)- 3rd Place
Unknown State Placers
125 Brian Davis (Pebblebrook)- 2nd Place
Graduated State Placers
103 Randy Nichols (Lithia Springs)- 3rd Place
112 Zach Garner (Woodward)- 2nd Place
119 Chad Robinson (Alexander)- 4th Place
125 Seth Gudger (Woodward)- 1st Place
125 Terry Holbrook (Forest Park)- 4th Place
140 Kevin Sadler (Woodward)- 2nd Place
160 Brenon Strozier (Lithia Springs)- 5th Place
215 Paul Morgan (Chapel Hill)- 3rd Place
275 Brandon Ransom (Alexander)- 3rd Place
Region 5
This region has one team that is very dominant, and several other teams that have some very talented individuals.
1. Columbia- It will be tough to duplicate last seasons state runner-up finish, but the Eagles will still be the class of this region despite the loss of four state placers. The Eagles return at least 3 region finalists and up to 5 state qualifiers. Coming back for Coach Miller this season will be region 103-pound region champ Kenny Williams along with Chris Tucker (119 LY) and Jerald Willis (152 LY), both finished 2nd in the region last year. While this looks to be a rebuilding year for Columbia, they still should send at least 12 to state again this year.
- Need grade levels for: 215 Watson, 275 Fuller
2. Creekside- Returning for the Seminoles this season are two of the regions three state placers. Jay Curry Finished 5th last year at 130 pounds and Robert Jackson Finished 6th at 145 pounds. Last season these two led Creekside to a 34th place finish at state.
- Need grade levels for: 103 Copeland, 112 Gooden, 119 Pancheco, 135 Haynie, 140 Arnold, 160 Stanley, 189 Spellman
3. McNair- The Mustangs were hit hard by graduation, but they do return 5th Place finisher Jamario Long (215 LY). Last season McNair had 10 state qualifiers and two placers and finished with 47 points at state. Look for McNair to once again have a bunch of qualifiers this season.
- Need grade levels for: 103 Farley, 152 Scott, 160 Hampton
4. Stone Mountain- Scored 18 points last year. Need grade levels for: 103 Bradshaw, 135 Rainey, 140 Williams, 152 Monroe, 160 Jackson, 215 Anderson, 275 Custus
5. Clarkston- Scored 16 points last year. Need grade levels for: 145 Ford, 152 Jackson, 160 Purdue, 189 Corrum, 275 Cooper
6. MLK- Scored 6 points last year. Need grade levels for: 125 Newman
7. North Atlanta- Scored 4 points last year. Need grade levels for: 130 Gordon, 171 Orrison
8. Westlake- Scored 3 points last year. Need grade level for: 189 Holt.
9. Druid Hills- Need grade levels for: 135 Guile, 171 Walker
Known Returning State Placers
130 Jay Curry sr (Creekside)- 5th Place
145 Robert Jackson sr (Creekside)- 6th Place
215 Jamario Long sr (McNair)- 5th Place
Unknown State Placers
None
Graduated State Placers
125 Charles Mitchell (Columbia)- 3rd Place
130 Zerbin Singleton (Columbia)- 1st Place
135 Michael Lewis (Columbia)- 3rd Place
140 Josh Combs (Columbia)- 1st Place
275 Darrell Crawford (McNair)- 5th Place
Region 6
This region has a similar make up to region 4. There are 4 teams here that have seemed to be above the rest of the region. This one may be even more of a traffic jam at the top than region 4 and the winner here will be the team that can do the best job of replacing the spots left open by those that graduated. None of the top four teams have a state placer and there is only one returning state placer in the entire region. With that being said please remember that anyone of the top four teams listed could eventually be the champion of this region they are that close together.
1. Marist- The War Eagles get the early nod, not because they have the most returning, but because they have the most finalists returning. All four of the returning state qualifiers for Marist were region finalists with Jake Lagod (119 LY) being the only region champ. Chad Danklef (112 LY), Drew Horrigan (152 LY), and Mark Ducote (160 LY) all finished second. Of the top four teams in the region Marist has the least number of state qualifiers, but if quality wrestlers surround these four, this young squad could take the region crown this year.
Last season Marist scored 42 points at state and that was good enough for a 28th place finish.
2. North Forsyth- This team lost 4 area champions, two of them state placers, to graduation. Despite this they return 6 state qualifiers, 3 of them were region finalists. Heath Westray (112 LY) is the lone returning region champion and he will receive support from Matt Miller (130 LY) and Matt Nelson (171 LY), both of which finished 2nd in the region. Other state qualifiers returning for the Raiders include, Josh Pledger (119 LY), Alex Haney (140 LY), and Zack Miller (189 LY). North Forsyth finished 7th in the state last season with 94.5 points and they are the defending region champs, so they will definitely have a large say in who wins the title this year.
3. South Forsyth- The returning state qualifiers from South Forsyth are exactly the same as those from North Forsyth. The War Eagles return 6 state qualifiers, 3 of which were region finalists. The War Eagles also have one returning region Champion with Kyle Knox walking away with the 130-pound weight class last season. Ryan Murray finished 2nd at 125 and Patrick Edmond finished 2nd at 140. Five of the six returning state placers are seniors and this may give South the edge it needs over the other three schools. Look for Michael Williams (103 LY), Taylor Autry (135 LY), and Kyle Huffman (160 LY) to help the War Eagles improve on last seasons 31st place finish.
4. Forsyth Central- The Bulldogs return more state qualifiers than any team in the region with 8, but only one of them was a region finalist. Zach Morrison finished 2nd in the region last year at heavyweight. Other state qualifiers for the Bulldogs include; Kudela Ahron (112 LY), Dusty Gerrell (119 LY), Cass Taylor (140 LY), Ryan Moffit (145 LY), Andrew Olsen (160 LY), Michael Pruitt (171 LY), and Jerry Warren (189 LY). Don't be surprised if the Bulldogs are able to pull out the region crown based on shear numbers, if anything they will have an excellent Dual team this season. Last year Forsyth Central scored 28.5 points and finished 39th at the state tournament.
5. Tucker- Scored 20.5 points last season. They return two Area finalists James Stuck (135 LY) and 140 pound champ Taimark Bogan.
6. Riverwood- Scored 28.5 points last year. They return the region's only state placer in Zach McKeone who finished 4th at 103 last season.
7. Chamblee- Scored 7 points at state last year.
8. St. Pius- Scored 12 Points at state last year.
9. Dunwoody- Scored 42.5 points at state last year
10. North Springs- Scored 5 points at state last year
Known Returning State Placers
103 Zach McKeone so (Riverwood)- 4th Place
Unknown State Placers
None
Graduated State Placers
135 Nick Newton (North Forsyth)- 1st Place
152 Bryan Reed (North Forsyth)- 4th Place
160 Dorian Simmons (Dunwoody)- 6th Place
171 Greg Ducote (Marist)- 5th Place
189 Alex Daniels (Dunwoody)- 6th Place
Region 7
This region is amazing; if you don't believe me take a look at last year's statistics from the state tournament. Region 7 wrestlers had 182-95 record last year in Rome. They walked away with 28 state placers. Of those 28 state placers 6 of them were state champs. Region 7 had 12 state finalists last season, and they had 7 teams finish in the top 20 (1st, 3rd, 9th, 11th, 11th, 16th, and 18th). This region not only has several quality teams, but it is also filled with an inordinate amount of quality individuals. I think there is a clear favorite to win this region but places 2-7 are up in the air. Not saying that anybody is a lock to win it, but Woodland will be tough to beat.
1. Woodland- The defending state champs would be the logical pick for the preseason favorites. Woodland returns 2 region champs, and a total of 8 state qualifiers. Woodland also will be returning 3 state placers including 119-pound state champ Boo Scott. Other returning state placers are Jeremiah Clapp (160 LY) who finished 3rd and Shawn Miller (125 LY) who finished 5th. Other returning state qualifiers looking to help maintain Woodland's perch on top of Class AAAA are Coty Wilkie (112 LY), Brandon McQueen (130 LY), Brett Wood (140 LY), Michael Hedge (215 LY), and Michael Roberts (275 LY). Of these 8 returning state qualifiers half of them are seniors and 3 of them are sophomores, so look for Woodland to be strong for quite a while.
2. East Paulding- I battled over 4 teams here and I decided on East Paulding based on what their returnees did at the state tournament last season. The Raiders only return one region finalist, John Mercado (103), but of their 4 returning state qualifiers the, they have several legitimate studs. 3 seniors will lead the way for East Paulding this year, Zach Rutherford who finished 5th at 135 last season, Gary Reddington (130 LY) is a former state placer that came up one round short last season in what was arguably the toughest weight class, and Garrett Guy (171 LY). Despite the loss of some talented seniors to graduation the biggest loss the Raiders will have to overcome is that of their former Head Coach. I think the Raiders will put aside any distractions and come ready and focused once tournament time rolls around, after all last season East Paulding finished 9th in the state with 88.5 points.
3. Ringgold- Another team that is looking to starting with a new head coach this year. Last season Ringgold finished 3rd at the state tournament with 132.5 points. Ringgold lost some major firepower due to graduation, but the cupboards are by no means bare. The Tigers return 4 state qualifiers and 2 of them were placers. Garrison Goins ended last season as the State Champion at 103 pounds, and Greg Hopkins finished 6th at 135 pounds. Also coming back to aid Goins and Hopkins will be Senior Kevin Lecroy (189 LY) and Jared Fielden (119 LY). Ringgold has seen a lot of high quality wrestlers graduate after the past two seasons and it may take a while to get back up to state championship form.
4. Rome- One of Rome's three state placers has graduated, but the two that are coming back are looking to lead the Wolves to the top of the state ladder again. Last season Rome turned a few heads by finishing with 75.5 points, good enough for 11th place at the state tournament. Coming back for Rome this year will be 215-pound state runner-up Andrew Grant and fifth place finisher Blair Carter (145 LY). Other returning state qualifiers include Luan Jenkins (103 LY) and Chris Roane (140 LY).
5. Lakeview, Fort Oglethorpe. Finished second in the Region 7 Dual tournament last season look for them to have another quality duals team again this year. LFO returns at least 2 state qualifiers from last seasons team that finished tied with Rome for 11th in the state. I am certain that both of the O'Neill boys will be back this season Joseph wrestled 112 last season and Jeremy wrestled 135 last year. I am not sure on the grade level of two other LFO wrestlers Mark Nicely (125 LY) and Nathan Murdock (171 LY).
- Need grade levels for 125 Nicely, 171 Murdock
6. Lafayette- Returns 4 state qualifiers including 6th in the state at 140 Jake Grooms. The Ramblers had a few notable upsets in the first couple of rounds at state last season and they cannot be taken lightly. They finished with 36.5 points at the state tournament last year. Coming back to improve on that 31st place finish are Eric Brown (119 LY), Grooms, Josh Yarbrough (160 LY), and Chris Battles (189 LY)
7. Gordon Central- Finished 16th last season and return two legitimate studs, Derek Parker (112 LY) and 6th place finisher at 215 Tyler Putnam.
8. Hiram- Finished with 51.5 points last season. Return 145 pound State Runner-up Zach Woolum
9. Dalton- Finished with 55 points last year. Return 215 pound state champ Kyle Harrison.
10. SE Whitfield- Finished with 17 points last year. Need grade level for: 103 Queen
11. Paulding County- Finished with 17.5 points last year. Return 140-pound region champ Carlin Cole. Need grade level for: 189 James
12. Ridgeland
Known Returning State Placers
103 Garrison Goins so (Ringgold)- 1st Place
119 Boo Scott so (Woodland)- 1st Place
125 Shawn Miller sr (Woodland)- 5th Place
135 Zach Rutherford sr (East Paulding)- 5th Place
135 Greg Hopkins so (Ringgold)- 6th Place
140 Jake Grooms sr (Lafayette)- 6th Place
145 Zack Woolum sr (Hiram)- 2nd Place
145 Blair Carter sr (Rome)- 5th Place
160 Jeremiah Clapp jr (Woodland)- 3rd Place
215 Kyle Harrison sr (Dalton)- 1st Place
215 Andrew Grant sr (Rome)- 2nd Place
215 Tyler Putnam jr (Gordon Central)- 6th Place
Unknown State Placers
None
Graduated State Placers
112 Robbie Thomason (SE Whitfield)- 5th Place
119 Mikeal Brooks (Hiram)- 2nd Place
125 Josh Smith (East Paulding)- 6th Place
130 Adam Woody (LFO)- 3rd Place
135 Josh Knight (Woodland) 4th Place
145 Kenny Foster (Woodland)- 1st Place
145 Jeff Racine (East Paulding)- 3rd Place
152 James Halloran (LFO)- 1st Place
152 Chris Stekette (Rome)- 2nd Place
152 Jack Wituka (East Paulding)- 5th Place
160 Barrett Blankenship (Ringgold)-2nd Place
171 Josh Flinn (Ringgold)- 1st Place
171 Nathan Fox (Woodland)- 2nd Place
275 Will O'Neal (Ringgold)- 6th Place
275 Kyle Lofty (Dalton)- 4th Place
275 Ray Robinson (Gordon Central)- 2nd Pace
Region 8
Yet another region with no clear-cut favorite, each team here will have to cope with some significant loses due to graduation or transfers. Last season Region 8 had 13 state placers I am certain of 6 of them returning and for 2 of them I have no grade level data.
1. Loganville- The Red Devils return more state qualifiers than anyone else in the region so I will give them the early nod. Loganville has 2 returning region champions Blake Snyder (125 LY) and Josh Cragin (160) last year. They also return one state placer, junior David Gay who took 6th at 152. Other returning state qualifiers include Kyle Watkins (103 LY), Chad Smith (112 LY), Travis Lord (140 LY), David Lee (145 LY), and Darryl Cloer (275 LY). Look for Loganville to once again be a dominating Dual Team as they are solid from top to bottom. If some of their state qualifiers can improve on their region performances from last year look for Loganville to improve on its 10th place state finish from a year ago, they may even crack the top 5.
2. Madison County- The Red Raiders will be returning two state placers and a total of 5 state qualifiers. 189 pound State Champion Mark Arnold will be looking for ring #2 during his senior season and Walker Overstreet finished up grabbing the 6th place slot at 103 last year. Also coming back to help the Red Raiders will be David Giles (119 LY), Ryan Cleghorne (140 LY), and Conrad Carey (171 LY). Madison has a strong foundation, the big question will be can they replace those that are not coming back, look for Coach Mason to shore the holes and for Madison to continue to build on last years 15th place state finish.
3. Newton County- The Rams will be returning three senior state qualifiers, Lanair Gardner (125 LY), Jarett Hargrove (135 LY), and the 130-pound state runner-up Justin Stafford. If the rams can compliment these three sound wrestlers look for Newton to make some serious noise at state, however I don't know if they will have enough firepower to reach knock off either Madison or Loganville.
4. Eastside- Finished with 42,5 points last year. Return two 3rd place state finishers in the DiCarlo brothers. Need grade levels for: 152 Labowicz, 171 Johnson
5. Salem- Finished with 11 points last year. Need grade level information for: 130 Elliot, 135 Boudreaux, 145 Brandenberg, 152 St Romain, 160 Cochran, 171 Etheridge, 189 Kniesly
6. Habersham Central- Scored 55 points last year. Return two strong wrestlers in JC Morris (125 LY) and Rafael Ramirez (130 LY)
7. Winder-Barrow- Scored 9 points last year.
8. Heritage- Scored 31.5 points last year. Need grade levels for: 103 Powers, 112 Bunting, 152 Wigington, 275 Schroder
9. Rockdale- Scored 18 points at state last year. Need grade levels for: 103 Fair, 125 Watkins, 135 Tamasi
10. Jackson County- Scored 30 points last year.
11. Clarke Central- Scored 18 points last year. Need grade levels for 119 Parrish, 160 Tarpley
12. Cedar Shoals- Scored 10 points last year.
Known Returning State Placers
103 Walker Overstreet jr (Madison County)- 6th Place
112 Anthony DiCarlo sr (Eastside)- 3rd Place
119 Nick DiCarlo sr (Eastside)- 3rd Place
130 Justin Stafford sr (Newton)- 2nd Place
152 David Gay jr (Loganville)- 6th Place
189 Mark Arnold (Madison County)- 1st Place
Unknown Returning State Placers
103 Aaron Fair (Rockdale)- 6th Place
119 Demond Parrish (Clarke Central)- 5th Place
Graduated State Placers
112 Jason Powers (Jackson County)- 1st Place
119 Nate Hutson (Newton County)- 6th Place
135 Joe Mosher (Loganville)- 2nd Place
140 Toby Barnes (Habersham Central)- 4th Place
145 Nick Frady (Habersham Central)- 4th Place
Overview
This years state tournament will be a little different than last year because there will be so many new faces. Going into last season there were close to 50 returning state placers this year that number will be closer to 30. With such a low number of returning state placers look for close to 60 first time state placers at this years state tournament. Teams that have a lot of state qualifiers returning may have a slight edge in experience this year over traditional state powerhouses that are only returning a few qualifiers. Look once again to Region 7 for this year's toughest region 3 of the 4 (or 5) returning State champions will hail from that region. Yes you read that last sentence correctly only 4 returning state champions. Like I said there will be a lot of fresh faces receiving awards this February in Rome. Also look for the dominating teams of some of the weaker regions to once again gain an edge at the state tournament by sending 12, 13, or even 14 wrestlers to the state tournament. It will be interesting to see how the GHSA will address the 3 team region 2 that will be in Quad-A next year but lets not get ahead of ourselves. With all that being said here is last season's preseason Top 15 along with their final state standing just to see how I did (remember last year was my first year in Quad-A)
2002 Pre-Season Top 15
1. Woodland- Finished 1st
2. Woodward- Finished 6th
3. Ringgold- Finished 3rd
4. Troup- Finished 4th
5. Loganville- Finished 10th
6. East Paulding- Finished 9th
7. LFO- Finished 11th
8. Lakeside- Finished 17th
9. Columbia- Finished 2nd
10. Eastside- Finished 26th (ok I was little off there)
11. Alexander- Finished 5th
12. Dalton- Finished 18th
13. Ware- Finished 20th
14. Dunwoody- Finished 26th
15. Northgate- Finished 22nd
As you can see I only left out 2 Top Ten teams- Lithia Springs (Finished 8th) and North Forsyth (Finished 7th)
So here goes with this years version of my preseason Top 15. Remember this can and will change as the year goes on, and with this season being so wide open I am sure I won't be even close.
2003 Preseason Top 15
1. Woodland
2. Ringgold
3. Loganville
4. East Paulding
5. LFO
6. Alexander
7. Rome
8. Northgate
9. Troup
10. Columbia
11. North Forsyth
12. Woodward
13. Newton Co
14. Shaw
15. Thomas County Central
HM- Dalton, Eastside, Lafayette, Lithia Springs, Madison Co,
I will repost all of the previews when we get a little closer to the start of the season.
It's time to lace up the old boots and get in on baby, so hold on to ya tightwaist and lets' see what the squared circle should have in store for us this year. Thanks to all those folks who been keeping ol'RD updated. Our info still needs lot's of updating so please keep those cards & letters coming. And fer you sanbaggers, help out a good ol' boy, you know I need it! Keep in mind that this is a tourney top 20, not a dual top 20, based on limited information I have gathered. It's only for fun, and you know I pull for my country boy's while trying to be non-partial (unless we whupping ya on the mat).Please help me correct any errors concerning graduated wrestlers, injuries, transfers etc.. Good luck to everyone this season and remember they outlawed the sleeper hold a couple of year ago!!
RD's TOP 20
1. DAWSON CO.- After winning state duals last season and ending up _ point behind Rockmart last year in traditional state, this bunch of Tigers will be looking for all the marbles this year. Even with a new head coach look for these guys to be extremely tough . Look for one or more of their returning placers to pick up the gold at state as both of the Kimbrell brothers look to avenge losses suffered in the finals last year & Shortencarrier is definitely a finalist possibility. With state qualifiers Hill & Poisson also back depth should be no problem. This Squad will features 10 seniors & 4 juniors and will probably be the most experienced AA squad in Georgia. RD will get a chance to see this bunch early on at the Hoya duals and will know a lot more then.
2. MORGAN CO.- Them Tigers better look out , cause once again Coach Stoud re-loaded the howitzer and the Dogs are gonna be barking & biting all the way to Mcdonough in search of another title. Look for Sidwell to waltz through the big guys to another gold at state and Strong man Worrell will be a force at whatever weight he lands after a 2nd at state in 2003. A boatload of qualifiers return including, Vaughters- Bruce- Simmons- Spence- Stratton- Peters& Glosson. The Dogs are as deep as well-diggers OOPS! Anyway, you get the picture.This team will improve on there 6th place finish last season.
3. UNION GROVE Look out for RD's surprise team (till now) of the year. Don't be shocked if that AA team trophy never leaves Mcdonough in February as the Wolverines are hungry for a title as they enter their final run in AA. The Grovers will be led by Returning champ Woods , Finalist Harris & placer Wilkerson. Throw in a couple more qualifiers in Skelton and Oliver (2002 AAAA) , add Carter back from injury and let's not forget an undefeated Middle-schooler (Mcdonald) @ 103 . The Wolverines should easily improve on last seasons 9th at state.
4. COOK CO.- Led by a new Coach this year, the Adel bunch Could Sting their way to the top as once again they are the cream of the crop from South Georgia. After a 3rd at state last year, the Hornets will be hungry to be on the top pedastal in 2004. Led by Returning champ Mcall , this team also will have 3 other placers back Edmundson-Childs- Fulgham. Don't forget qualifiers Griner & Parrish and it's easy to see why this team is ready to rumble.
5. OGLETHORPE CO.- The Patriots will be led by a couple of tough seniors , one who already has a state title (Haralson) & another who was a finalist last year (Soto). Add in placer Bramlett and 4 more qualifiers- Sims-Thaxton-Bolton & Mckenney . The Patriots could easily duplicate last years 4th place finish in Mcdonough.
6. ROCKMART- Even though graduation hit the Yellow Jackets hard, the back to back champions should be tough by the time state rolls around. Coach McD will re-load and should be led by placers Waddell- Miller & Lyndsey. Throw in a couple of returning Qualifiers in Deems & Dukes and the cupboards aren't all bare for the black & gold.
7. APALACHEE- Look for the Mat-Cats to improve on last years top 10 finish as theWinder boys have a couple of returning state champs to lead the charge in Seniors Durham & Sheppard. Four other qualifiers return Boswell- Craig- Hicks & Smith & a top medallist from kids state (Hudson) should help strengthen the lighter weights. A lot will depend on the Cats staying healthy but these guys could move up.
8. CALHOUN- A whole bunch of folks think that this team could be the sleeper of 2004 & ol' RD just might agree with them. Led by returning champ Bearden (Adairsville transfer) , this squad has four placers back also- Stocks-Mitchell- Purser- Bunch- they be loaded! The scary part is that they only have 2 seniors and probably will just get better in the future!! This squad could move up quickly.
9. LUMPKIN CO.- The Indians from Dahlonega will once again be on the warpath and should move back in the top 10 after last year's 13th place finish. Led by state placers Ghobadpor & Mcclure and qualifiers Mclean, Odum & Garcia. This bunch should see a lot of Gold in them thar hills in 2004.
10. CHATTOOGA- Even though coach Beas lost a bunch of talent last year, they will be tough come Winter time in Mcdonough. They will be led by state placers Medrano- Allmond & Watson along with qualifier Lashley . I look for these guys to surprise some of the area 4 squads in 2004.
11. IRWIN CO.- The only reason theses guys are not in my top 10 is I have no update on their squad. Last season saw them finish 12th at state after no-showing at state duals so RD just needs some update. I do know the Dill brothers are always tough & the older should be in the finals. Benson won @ 160 & several qualified including- Mctear-Lanier- Johnson- Lott- Dukes- Harper- Sirmons& Jones.Any updates would be great.
12. TOOMBS CO.- The surprise team of 2003 looks to improve on their 7th place finish last season. Led by state placers Torres & Benton as well as qualifiers Wilson- Story & Courson. Don't be shocked by another top 10 performance from these guys.
13. DECATUR- The City- Dogs lost a lot of talent to graduation but will still be a scrappy bunch as usual.Five qualifiers are back Amos- Erikson- Taylor- Duncan & Gorbatkin will help the Dogs bark loud come state.
14. VIDALIA- The grapplers from onion town look to crack the top 10 this year after barely missing out in 2003 at 11th. Three placers return led by Finalist Mcleod & Greene and Davis as well as qualifiers Ishkov & Turner. A top 10 finish is not out of the question.
15. TURNER CO.- Look for these guys to be the most improved team in area 1 for 2004.State placers Wilkes & Stevens are back and qualifiers Harris- Coker& the other Wilson. These guy's will turn some heads this season.
16. WESLEYAN- The Wolves of Norcross will return state placer Smith who will be supported by several qualifiers including- Watson- Ball- Howe & Machemal. Great support & coaching always helps also.
17. DARLINGTON- With five state qualifiers returning & an impact transfer from Europe, the fellas from Rome could really move up fast in the rankings. Qualifiers include- Hinton- Hufstedler- Hyder- Cook and RMI transfer Rothman as well.
18. CALLAWAY-Big man Stargill is back looking for gold after placing in 2003 and will be joined by qualifiers Rhodes- Cannon- & Powell as well as a couple of good young grapplers who just missed state last year. The Lagrange guys should be a top 20 team.
19. DADE CO.- Though hit hard by graduation the Dader's are looking for some younger brothers of last year's squad to step in & fill some big shoes.Youngsters like Cameron, Simmons & Smith will want to keep the proud tradition going in 2004.
20. BUFORD- The Wolves will crack the top 20 with 4 qualifiers returning . Slaton, Brinson, Banayg & Chauncey should be an excellent core to build around in 2004.
Good luck to everyone in 2004 and please keep me updated on your teams progress.
e-mail me at dpdick6620@aol.com if you prefer.
THE BERG REPORT
OK, wrestling fans, it's about that time of year again, time to begin the process that will lead, in a short few months, to another AAAAA state tourney and to the crowning of the traditional state tourney team and individual champions. Let's enjoy the journey, starting with this first look at the top teams likely to vie for AAAAA state tournament champion honors. But, please remember the few caveats that go along with this list: this is a tourney top 20+, not a dual top 20+, as it is based on potential point scoring at the traditional state tourney to be held in macon, come next February. a top 20 dual team list might look completely different, although many of the same teams would occupy top 20 slots. (remember a mere two years ago? while Collins hill took the traditional team title that year, McEachern came back to win the dual team title a week later.)
Also, it seems like, more than in past years, we've heard lots of rumors circulating about top flight wrestlers being out for all or part of this season. While we've tried to take those into account (where we have been able to obtain confirmation), there is still a good possibility that teams will lose (or gain) manpower, relative to what we credit them with at this point. So, please keep in mind that the teams we see in our mind's eye right now may bear little resemblance to the teams which take the mat next month or in Macon.
In any event, sit back and enjoy this preseason peak at the teams and wrestlers likely to lead the parade to Macon, come next February, as the 2003 - 2004 AAAAA season unfolds.
THE TOP 10:
Team: Parkview (Region 8AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #1
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state champ K. Hudson; returning state placers Huff, Baird, Mckee, Stromie and W. Hudson; returning state qualifiers Mabee and Yin.
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: kids state champs Miller, Hudgens and Josh Matlack; transfer Jon Matlack; Carter, Stewart, Wilson and Hopkins
A Quick Comment: Coaches Stromie and Beuglas have been pointing to this year since the wunderclass who are now seniors first stepped through the Panther portals and put on the orange, blue and white 'view singlet three years ago. Last year's 3rd place finish was probably a bit higher than most expected at the beginning of 2002, but this year is a different story, and everyone expects quite a lot from the 6 returning state placers, including undefeated 215 Hudson. Add in another excellent frosh class and you may have a recipe for Parkview's first state wrestling title.
Team: Collins Hill (Region 8AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #2
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: 2x state champ parker; returning state champ lukacs; returning state placers knapp and patrick; returning state qualifiers black, j. slusher and thomas
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: maynard, beck, stadulius, johns, hoppenbrou, flaherty, white and delain
A Quick Comment: yes, Parkview may have the slight preseason edge, but, as espn studio analyst lee corso would say, "not so fast, my friend". State team runner-up Collins Hill returns some significant fire power, including four definite title contenders and a whole room full of depth, at virtually every weight. Something tells us that the battle for supremacy will range all year long: neighborhood supremacy, county supremacy, region supremacy, state dual supremacy and, ultimately, supremacy at the battle of macon for traditional state honors. It should be a hum-dinger.
Team: McEachern (Region 5AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #3
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state champion prater; returning state placers arnold and mcgrath; returning state qualifier purvine
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: turpin, gentry, d. shealey, b. shealey, jackson, nicholson, ross and white
A Quick Comment: At first blush, this is not the same strong indians team that has battled for state titles the past few years, with far fewer recognizable names. Don't be fooled. If you look at the brackets from last year's "king of the hill" j/v state tourney, there is an indian in almost every finals match. So, get ready to learn the new names, cause, by year end, you are very likely to see mceachern in the hunt for all the marbles again this year.
Team: Starr's Mill (Region 4AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #4
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state placer cosper; returning region champs radcliffe and kourajian; returning state qualifiers king, verzello, woods, hartpence, griffin and conner; transfer state qualifiers savage and kellerman
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: thurber, ferguson and freeman
A Quick Comment: yes, the mill was rocked by the loss of two likely state finalists, but this is a team with significant depth and talent and, perhaps even more importantly, the ability to bounce back beyond anything this logical legal mind can comprehend (does that about say it all, jimmyo?). Add in the miller penchant for stepping it up a couple hundred notches at state (hopefully, for reasons other than just to make me look bad), and you've got a very likely top team contender. Enough to go at it with the "big 3" described above? Absolutely - - they don't call starr's mill "the little team that could" for nothing.
Team: Lassiter (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #5
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state champ runnels; returning state placers m. jacoutot, boyd and d. price; former state placer mccrory; returning state qualifiers davidson and thornberry
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: b. jacoutot, wesley, fuerstenbe
A Quick Comment: some interesting lineup issues face coach day, in terms of squeezing all those big guys into the 189 - 215 - 275 slots, but overall, this is an experienced trojan squad that will be the team to beat in Region 6AAAAA. With the apparent loss of 2x state champ mcnitt for this year, the onus will fall heavily on veterans boyd, price, runnels and mccrory to lead the way.
Team: Centennial (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #6
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state champ konigsburg; returning state placer johnston; returning state qualifiers klug, segar, mcmanus, robinson and nabors
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: finegan, adkins, sandborn and yelvington
A Quick Comment: very quietly, coach st. james has been building himself a wrestling powerhouse at centennial. Last year, in case you forgot, the knights finished a solid 6th at state, and other than the loss of two excellent wrestlers (heim and karpus), all the state points return for the 2003 - 2004 campaign. Add in some solid j/v performers from last year, and this team will go head-to-head with lassiter for region honors.
Team: Henry County (Region 2AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #7
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state placer warrington; returning region champ kellett; returning state qualifiers yarborough, andrews, clark, epperson, bargo, w. daniel and j. daniel
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: kids state champ faulkner
A Quick Comment: another very deep team, he-co is likely to bring an entire herd of qualifiers to macon and, once there, get enough hands raised to earn a second straight top 10 finish. Coach hutsell also seems to have his kids working extremely hard in the off-season, with lots of wrestlers visible at most preseason tourneys, and as we all know from paula mcgahee, "summer wrestling makes winter champions."
Team: Walton (Region 5AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #8
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state champion waller; returning state qualifiers huffman, hoffman and watts
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: bruce, chiluski, corona, fuller, kids state champ olsen, temple
A Quick Comment: this is the first true "hunch pick" for the preseason, but I am persuaded by the Walton football success this year (8 - 0 as I type) that this could be the raiders year. Definitely less depth than region foe mceachern, but some huge top-end upside with state champ waller, former state finalist huffman, former kids state champ hoffman, nationally ranked olsen and former florida phenom temple. If it all comes together by February, you may need a calculator to keep up with the points being scored in macon.
Team: Camden County (Region 3AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #9
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning region champions cleveland, lee, al. luke, charko and to. blake; returning state qualifiers m. durham, ad. luke, thornhill and te. blake
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: any number of solid kids state performers
A Quick Comment: this one might come as a surprise, considering camden county does not return any state placers. However, with 5 returning region champs and 4 other returning qualifiers, the team that finished #8 in the state last year would seem to have the inside track to another top 10 finish this year. In particular, we expect big things from lee and the blakes, who most definitely could see the top steps of the podium this year.
Team: Harrison (Region 5AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #10
The Faces You are likely to See Again in Macon: returning state champ fiacco; returning region champ howell; returning state qualifiers medved and hunter
Significant Others Who Might Join Them: colquitt, edwards, post (if healthy)
A Quick Comment: depth is a definite problem for the hoyas, but with a year of being "Stephen-ized" under their belts, we fully expect to see some new names added to the ones above, by the end of the year. Add that to the likely 60 - 70 points to be scored at state by the returnees, and harrison should be back in the top 10 after a year off (14th last year).
THE NEXT 10:
Team: Redan (Region 7AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #11
The Names to Look For: returning region champs j. tillery, d. dacosta, reid, douglass and miller; returning state qualifiers graham, storey, mcbean, johnson, melton, t. dacosta, hardy, dorton, rhodes and pryor
A Quick Comment: don't be surprised to see redan in the top 10 when all is said and done this year, as they return virtually the entire team from last year's region champs. Last year, these wrestlers combined for 10 wins at state, including 4 by pryor. This year, expect that number to be at least doubled.
Team: Valdosta (Region 1AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #12
The Names to Look For: returning state placer scott; returning state qualifiers terrell, morrison, naville, king, hensely, bess, neal and chism; j. berrian
A Quick Comment: the wildcats return most everyone from last year's 9th place finisher, but an evenly matched region (see teams listed immediately below) suggests that getting out of region with high seeds may be easier said than done in region 1AAAAA this year.
Team: Lee County (Region 1AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #12A
The Names to Look For: former state placer smith; returning region champs stripling, k. jack, wright and brooks; returning state qualifiers pines, peek, b. jack, fallin, sheridan, and meeks
A Quick Comment: coach dowling appears to have himself another top shelf team, with solid leadership at the top end and a schedule which, if it doesn't kill the team, will make them tournament tested and ready for macon. Last year's 18th place finish could have been higher with some better bracket luck and a few close matches going the other way; this year, with virtually the same team, lee county could be sniffing around the top 10.
Team: Lowndes (Region 1AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #12B
The Names to Look For: returning region champ key; returning state qualifiers hernandez, hardnett, crisp, allen, gutierrez, handy, johnson, tyson and edwards
A Quick Comment: Lowndes may not be quite at the same level as valdosta and lee county, but, looking down south from up north, it's just too close to call. Will some of these guys step up and be the next catlett or the next bonner? They better, or else lowndes will be left behind in a two-horse race, instead of turning region 1AAAAA into a three-team battle royale
Team: Kennesaw Mountain (Region 5AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #15
The Names to Look For: returning state placer norred; returning state qualifiers gilstrap, b. masters and ellis; zimmerman, bishop, george, phillips and ciulli
A Quick Comment: we said last year the the mountain was probably a year away from making a statement at state. Well, then is now, and we would not be surprised at all to see harrison's neighbors down the street challenging the hoyas and walton for the region slot immediately below mceachern
Team: Wheeler (Region 5AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #16
The Names to Look For: returning state placer john queiroz; returning state qualifiers johnny queiroz and hannon; brusnahan and stockman
A Quick Comment: depth may be an issue this year, but the wildcats can score in big tournaments. Without stockman, maybe not enough to crack the top 15; with stockman, along with some improved underclassmen, wheeler is definitely in the first division of region 5AAAAA
Team: Marietta (Region 5AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #17
The Names to Look For: returning state placer b. chisum; williams, callahan, gonzalez, allen and coyle
A Quick Comment: see comments on wheeler, above
Team: North Gwinnett (Region 8AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #18
The Names to Look For: returning state placer andrews; state qualifiers skowronski and reeves; b. smith, west and pyron
A Quick Comment: north gwinnett was one of the surprise teams last year, looking spectacular at perry and, ultimately, taking 14th at state. Something along those same lines might not be such a surprise this time around.
Team: Dacula (Region 8AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #19
The Names to Look For: returning state placer jenkins; returning state qualifiers lewis and tharpe; dieterle
A Quick Comment: another team lacking depth, but the nucleus listed above can definitely bring home some hardware and lead dacula back into the top 20
Team: Fayette County (Region 4AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #20
The Names to Look For: returning state placer mccoy; returning state qualifiers lowery, borcik and powell; stanley
A Quick Comment: nationally ranked heavy mccoy leads the way. May not have the depth to equal last year's 13th place finish (wouldn't the piscarcik twins look good on the roster this year?), but back-to-back top 20 finishes is certainly a distinct possibility
THE REST OF THE SUPER 32:
Team: Glynn Academy (Region 3AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #21
The Names to Look For: returning state qualifiers lee, waye, culpepper, collins, strickland and lamper; florida transfer crabtree; mobley, samples and waldron
A Quick Comment: good depth should result in a solid core of state qualifers, leading to improvement over last year's 32nd place finish at state
Team: Pope (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #22
The Names to Look For: returning region champs marrache and d. anthony; returning state qualifier c. anthony; verhoeven, texas transfer winiarczyk, graves, berg, self, yeargin and n. brown
A Quick Comment: some off-season problems and injuries will hurt the 'hounds, but by the end of the season, this team could be ready to make another bid for the top 20
Team: Tift County (Region 1AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #23
The Names to Look For: returning state placer bloodworth; returning state qualifiers salter, owens, sumner, ellis, roberts and mosley; m. smith
A Quick Comment: a solid team with top 20 potential, but a strong region may hurt in terms of getting qualifiers with good seedings to the state tourney
Team: Woodstock (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #24
The Names to Look For: returning region champ connell; returning state qualifier chu; burch, heydon, white and taylor
A Quick Comment: depth may be a problem with the wolverines, but this group has the potential to send 3 - 4 wrestlers very deep into the state tourney this year
Team: East Coweta (Region 4AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #25
The Names to Look For: returning region champs nolan and hall; returning state qualifiers roetman, collier, o'brien, t. johnson, allen and wilson; davis
A Quick Comment: took their lumps last year, but still managed to crack the top 25 at state. look for more of the same this year.
Team: Etowah (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #26
The Names to Look For: returning state champ wingard; returning state qualifier lutz; dearborn and hudgens
A Quick Comment: the eagles will once again look to 2x state champ wingard to anchor the effort to crack the top 25. last year, it was 21st; this year?
Team: Chattahoochee (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #27
The Names to Look For: returning state placer ory; returning state qualifiers winzeler and deadrick; drives
A Quick Comment: new coach, tough region, could spell a long year for the cougars, but with some veteran leadership, this team may be a surprise by region time
Team: Brookwood (Region 8AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #28
The Names to Look For: returning state placer thompson; returning state qualifier rhodes; jackson, lederkerken, clark, ijuin, lillo, long
A Quick Comment: perhaps a bit too young for the top 20, but this is a team on the rise
Team: Milton (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #29
The Names to Look For: returning state placer bradley; fregosi, trapino, power, d. johnson, antoskow, redmond
A Quick Comment: injuries took a devastating toll on milton last year. With some healthy veterans, this team could fly up the charts
Team: Lakeside DeKalb (Region 7AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #30
The Names to Look For: returning region champ ammons; returning state qualifiers griffin, hyman, jasper, feldman; coleman and colbert
A Quick Comment: may be a bit ambitious in expecting a top 25 finish, but a good performance at region could catapult this team to those dizzying heights
Team: Roswell (Region 6AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #31
The Names to Look For: returning state qualifiers howard, deutschler and gunning; fox, mccart, strauss, little and bogue
A Quick Comment: a solid group of veterans could lead the way to the top 32, after a down year in 2003
Team: Eagles Landing (Region 2AAAAA)
Preseason Rank: #32
The Names to Look For: returning region champ glenn; returning state qualifiers fayard, campbell, angelini and maddox; rodriguez, griffith and burns
A Quick Comment: last year's 19th place finish may be too much to ask for this time around, but the cupboard is certainly not bare, especially if burns returns
THE REGION RACES:
Region: 1AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
Coffee: returning placer drew, plus returning state qualifiers mckinnon, clark, swails and hurst, could make it a 5-way fight for the region title
Colquitt: returning region champ sanders leads the way
Region: 2AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
Houston County: look for good results from returning state qualifiers bridges, nguyen, busbee, hunt and young heavy hilton, plus wiley
Northside Warner Robins: returning region champ miles, plus smith and price, may not be enough to duke it out with the region's best
Stockbridge: returning region champ johnson is an outstanding talent, and should get lots of help from returning state qualifiers suwinski, wentzel, gable and calloway. Could challenge for second behind henry county
Jonesboro: returning state qualifiers patterson, ramirez, cazenave and lee, along with ragan, look to improve on last year's 32nd place effort
Mount Zion: returning state qualifiers newell and clemons lead the way
Westside: outstanding cornett is back, along with sinclair. Who else can score?
Morrow: ekandem returns, but not much else is known
Warner Robins: beatty, battle and davis are back, but it may be a long year if others don't step up
Region: 3AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
Benedictine: look for smith and oxnard to return to macon; whelan can help, too
Groves: region champ crawford should be tough, and the addition of the grizzard brothers, plus loury, gonzales, caruso and rawlings suggest good times on the horizon
Johnson Savannah: returning state qualifiers green, brown and russell, with help from rowland, should lead to improvement this year
Effingham County: landrum and bevill should see the mats at macon; can others join them?
Savannah: johnson and alvarado are back for another try
Windsor Forest: steverson and estridge should qualify this year, but graduation losses may make it a long year
Brunswick: corey and lentini lead the charge
Jenkins: jordan is back; greco may not be
Beach: jackson is the lone name on our radar screen
Region: 4AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
McIntosh: this is a team that could surprise many, including me, with returning state qualifiers rushing, winter, little, smith, ellinas and hall, along with allison, walton and beck. With some health and luck, mcintosh could take a giant step back towards the prominence that program once held
Riverdale: returning region champ douglas and state qualifier edwards should do well, but more is needed to challenge the mill and faco
Newnan: I have confirmation that state qualifier wall returns. What about smallwood, thompson, shaner, evans, hodo, montgomery and morgan?
Carver Columbus: g. williams and peters are back, but last year's seniors will be missed
Mundy's Mill: are mahone and robinson back?
Lovejoy: you tell me
Region: 5AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
Sprayberry: returning state qualifiers nizzi and adams are excellent, and jett, kaminski, t. cofer and watson should help, but this region may be just too tough to expect a banner year
Kell: returning state placer a. spice will be joined by kid brother s. spice, along with state qualifier stork and summerhill, so look for improvement from kell this year
South Cobb: returning state qualifier cravens and solid crew led by hollis, roberts, harvey, daniel, exum and rusin, may be enough to crack the top 30 again
North Cobb: new coach moistner inherits something of a rebuilding job, but the return of bottino, along with improvement from beavers, magrihi, peters and morley should get things back on track sooner, rather than later
Campbell: boone returns as the only state qualifier
Osborne: abanikanda is back, and should be joined in macon by mcadoo, mercedes and higgins
Region: 6AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
Northwest Whitfield: lock and bryson are first rate, and having parker and rice back should help
Sequoyah: look for good things from duran, cooey and jenkins; add in former kids champ c. banks and sequoyah, like mcintosh, should take several steps towards the return to prominence
Cherokee: a program definitely on the rise, led by returning state qualifier rucker, along with d. strother, paramour and kelley
Murray County: state qualifier glover returns, along with davenport; not sure about scott
Northview: hoefer leads the way
Region: 7AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
Tri-Cities: state placer lynn returns, as does region champ robinson and state qualifiers atkins, king and tucker. If dribriak, smith and hooks are also back, this team moves into the top 32
Lithonia: state qualifiers tidwell, noel and whitlock return
Stephenson: region champ johnson and state qualifier chaney are back. wallace should help; not sure if cunningham is back
Cedar Grove: abdoulae and mclain return to the fold
Southwest DeKalb: no clue, depending on whether simmons, ramos, clark, alexander and green join purifoy as returning veterans
Evans: don't know whether plotts, becsey, lochran, chavez and jones are back
Region: 8AAAAA
The Remaining Teams:
Berkmar: 2x state placer moncayo is back, but no clue as to who joins him this year
South Gwinnett: the bullard brothers are tough, and stovall and mckibbon should add value
Shiloh: veterans vorherr and locicero look for a return to macon; allen looks to join them
Norcross: region champ jones is back, along with alexander. Others who could help, if they are back, include hart, bontemps, anscholtz, reddick and martinez. If all are back, look out!
Central Gwinnett: hollis, gray and sincavage are a solid core
Duluth: no clue if kuglar, manfre, plimmons, bowden or one or more williams are back
Oconee County: gray leads the way
Meadowcreek: no data
Peachtree Ridge: good luck, coach stephen
Thanks for reading. Good luck to all teams and best wishes for a healthy and successful season.
Top Ten Rankings-December 1st 2003
5A STATE COACHES POLL
1. Parkview
2. Collins Hill
3. McEachern
4. Lassiter
5. Henry County
6. Starr's Mill
7. Centennial
8. Walton
9. Camden County
10. Harrison
--- Redan
4A STATE COACHES POLL
1. Ringgold
2. Woodland
3. Alexander
4. Troup
5. Lithia Springs
6. Columbia
--- Loganville
8. Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
9. Woodward Academy
10. East Paulding
3A STATE COACHES POLL
1. Lovett
2. Dublin
3. Westminster
4. West Laurens
5. LaGrange
6. Gilmer
7. Worth County
--- Grayson
9. Fitzgerald
10. Elbert County
2A STATE COACHES POLL
1. Dawson County
2. Morgan County
3. Cook
4. Calhoun
5. Union Grove
6. Apalachee
7. Rockmart
8. Lumpkin County
9. Toombs County
10. Chattooga
1A STATE COACHES POLL
1. Jefferson
2. Bremen
3. Trion
4. Landmark Christian
5. Social Circle
6. Mt. Zion, Carroll
7. Pacelli Catholic
8. St. Francis
9. Pelham
10. Brookstone
Georgia Pre-season top three picks (teams)
By GA State Editor Jeff Walrich
While this is very early and a shot in the dark, this is what you could see come February!
Will not get in a great analysis at this time, but did put a little blurb.
AAAAA
1. Parkview ñ Loaded and this could be their year
2. Collins Hill ñ Great group returning, will load up
3. Starrís Mill ñ Great team and will be in contention
AAAA
1. Woodland ñ Defending champsÖx2?
2. Alexander ñ Best shot to knock Woodland off
3. Ringgold ñ Always tough year in year out
AAA
1. Lovett ñ One of the top teams in the state and will be
tough to beat.
2. Dublin ñ Great team with two champs back
3. Gilmer ñ Will be right in the mix
AA
1. Morgan Co ñ Will be the frontrunner
2. Cook Co ñ Not far behind
3. TIE ñ Dawson Co, Rockmart ñ Both of these teams could be
right there when the dust settles
A
1. Jefferson ñ Until they get beatÖ
2. Bremen ñ Will have the best shot to claim first this year
3. Trion ñ Good group coming back
ALL CLASS
1. Parkview
2. Collins Hill
3. Lovett
4. Woodland
5. Starrís Mill