HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

With a dominating 60-11 win over Dutch Fork, the River Bluff varisty wrestling squad is positioned well to 3-peat as Region 5-5A champion.

Head coach Evan Moxie has built a state championship program in Lexington, as seen 2 years ago when the Gators won the Class 5A title.

In December, the team traveled to Johnson City, Tenn. for the Science Hill Duals, giving them an opportunity to compete against wrestlers they would not normally face during a regular season.

The team finished 4-1, placing second overall.

Just this past week, the junior varsity and middle school level squads saw six wrestlers qualify for the state tournament, which bodes well for its continued growth.

For Moxie, it all starts with setting goals and expectations at the beginning of the year.

“I believe in setting the bar high for my teams to let them know my expectations for them as young men and as athletes,” he said. “Our goals for the season rarely change, we want to win the region and make a run at a state title.” That’s going to be a challenge even with the talent River Bluff has this season, he notes.

“Our region is one of the deepest and toughest in the state and every team from here on out will be a dog fight.”

The Gators host Chapin this week and will return there over the weekend for the two-day Military Duals tournament.

Their remaining region matches are Jan. 23 at White Knoll and two nights later at Lexington.

Moxie points to the team captains as leaders for the squad this season.

“Our four captains—Parker Palmer, William Butler, Isaac Ortega, and Michael Keisler - have taken the reins of this years team and led us toward success on a daily basis, both on the mats and off,” he said. “We, as a team, expect every varsity wrestler to progress throughout the season to contribute in the best way that they can.”

Moxie also acknowledges the support he receives from his staff and the students’ parents in putting forth a winning team.

“The first step in a successful wrestling program is to find great help including coaches, parents, and volunteers; it takes a great deal of time and energy to run a successful sports team regardless of the sport.”

SCMAT.COM PREP WRESTLING RANKINGS

(Class 5A)

1. J.F. Byrnes, 2. Fort Mill, 3. Hillcrest, 4. Rock Hill, 5. Lugoff-Elgin, 6. Cane Bay, 7. River Bluff, 8. Chapin,

9. Nation Ford, 10. Lexington, 11. Summerville, 12. Carolina Forest, 13. Stratford, 14. White Knoll, 15. Ashley Ridge, 16. Clover, 17. Fort Dorchester, 18. Woodmont, 19. Dorman, 20. Greenwood

(Class 4A)

1. Eastside, 2. South Pointe, 3. York,

4. Travelers Rest, 5. Airport, 6. Harts-ville, 7. Palmetto, 8. Beaufort, 9. Hilton Head, 10. North Myrtle Beach, 11. Blue Ridge, 12. Pickens, 13. Belton-Honea Path, 14. Myrtle Beach, 15. South Aiken, 16. Midland Valley, 17. Greer, 18. Walhalla, 19. Dreher, 20. Brookland-Cayce

(Class 3A)

1. Indian Land, 2. West-Oak, 3. Crescent, 4. Gilbert, 5. Chester, 6. Powdersville, 7. Woodruff, 8. Emerald, 9. Camden, 10. Broome, 11. May River,

12. Mid-Carolina, 13. Swansea, 14. Marion, 15. Union County, 16. Battery Creek, 17. Chesnee, 18. Pelion, 19. Aynor, 20. Academic Magnet