Heathwood Hall wrestling coach Hank Wall is optimistic entering the 2009-10 season, with an eye toward improving on last season’s 7-16 dual match record.
“Our problem last season was that we had four or five forfeits in every dual match, but very few teams actually beat us on the mat,” said Wall.
“If we can fill in some gaps in our line up with some newcomers, we should have a better record this season and make things interesting in SCISA.”
Wall expects several of his veterans to compete for state titles including returning two-time state champion Charles Gray.
“Charles has set a personal goal to exceed 100 career wins this season and wrestle in the National Prep tournament in Lehigh Pennsylvania,” said Wall.
“That would be unprecedented for a private school wrestler from South Carolina. Charles has been a great leader for us on and off the mat.”
Gray and Fripp Prioleau, Harrison Penndarvis Jose Walker and Robert Summers head the cast of returning veterans. Prioleau is the reigning 152-pound SCISA champion. Penndarvis was the runner-up at heavyweight. Walker and Summers were consolation champs at 152 and 103, respectively.
Sophomore Jacques Jean Gills (119), freshman Will Lord, (125), sophomore Emerson Smith (152) and junior John Crosthwaite (171) are the other returning men with varsity experience.