The Sumter Gamecocks have a wealth of proven wrestlers back this season, and the goal is to remain in place as the Region 6-4A champion, make a little more noise in the state playoffs and upgrade last year’s 18-15 overall dual match record.
We return the most qualifiers we’ve ever had,” said coach Matthew Love, who is 123-60 in five seasons at Sumter.
“There is a group of six seniors who have started since they were freshman, so we are working hard to perform up to the high goals we have set as a team. We are wrestling another tough schedule, highlighted by the WRAL Invitational in Raleigh, NC.”
The veteran cast features Josh O’Connor, who went 53-5 and won consolation honrs (3rd place) at 285 pounds at the traditional state tournament. Matt Devine (41-18 at 140), Hayden Raabe (45-14 at 152) and Trevor Jahnke (48-9 at 215) are the other returning state qualifiers.
Devin Clark (112), Peter Hacket (27-21 at 119), Zhaire Collis (125), Payton Chappell (130), Korey Paige (18-13 at 135), David Baldwin (37-18 at 160) and TJ Colvin (30-23 at 171) are the other returning starters.
Mark Taylor, James Wiechering, Charles Ragin, BiQuan Sumpter and Brock Pack are newcomers to watch.
