Coming off a season where they scored their first ever state champion, the Catawba Ridge wrestling team is back this season with a competitive mentality.
Catawba Ridge graduated their first state champion in Jarrett Eubanks, but brings back a slew of wrestlers with experience this season.
“Jarrett was amazing,” said Catawba Ridge head wrestling coach Nick Hansen. “Jarrett set the bar. He gave belief to all these kids. He gave them something to shoot for.”
While Eubanks has graduated, the Copperheads are looking for the next wrestler to step up.
“We are moving along,” Hansen said. “We have a young team, so it is exciting for the future.”
Catawba Ridge has just two seniors in Clark Ostendorf and Aidan Shaffery, but they are loaded with underclassmen.
Returners looking to make an impact include sophomore Alex Johnson, the Stukitz brothers – Cole and Ryan, both juniors. Both Johnson and Cole Stukitz are returning state qualifiers for Catawba Ridge. One thing that has slowed the progress for this year’s team is that football made it into the second round of the playoffs.
One thing new this season for the Copperheads is a new classification in 5A. Hansen said he feels like Catawba Ridge is ready for the challenge.
“I think we will eventually be alright,” he said. “Our young kids are pretty savage.”
Hansen said he wants his team to wrestle and have fun. He knows that wins will come if they are able to adopt that philosophy.
Being in a new classification means Catawba Ridge is also in a new Region 3-5A with the likes of two-time defending state champion Fort Mill, as well as powerhouse Rock Hill. The Copperheads come into the season ranked 15th in Division II.
“We aren’t scared of 5A,” Hansen said. “We are here to compete and do the best we can possibly do.”
The Copperheads open the season against Buford at home on Wednesday, Dec. 4. They have scheduled dual tournaments at Dorman and will be participating in tournaments in Aiken and at the Kingsley Classic at Fort Mill High.
They will also wrestle in the Demon Holiday tournament on Dec. 21-22 and at the Bearcat tournament after the New Year’s holiday.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
