4A Lower State Report by Adam Takach 9-30-02

The Lower State looks quite possibly more stacked than last year in 4A. With the addition of Irmo it only takes away from the level of competition from the Upper State. Team wise this year should be a fierce battle for teams.

Dutch Fork, Hilton Head, and Summerville all have a chance at taking the state title this year. Summerville and Hitlon Head have a few transfers, Summerville's from in state, and Hilton Head's from out of state. Hilton Head has a transfer from North Carolina who has many years behind him and also a heavyweight who took 6th in Pennslyvania. While returning Adam Takach, Alex Piper, Chris Whetmore, and Evans "Boo" Capers who all qualified for state last year. Also returning is Chris Newton who defeated 160 state champ Will Kuhn 3 of 4 times twice by major decision. Though the loss of 112 state placer, Justin Nierode will be a tough slot to fill due to moving.

Summerville's transfer Ian Baker should give them extreme depth to the lower weights. With maybe Baker, Young, Laprad, and Turner going 103-125 that is a pretty good line up. I have also heard a rumor they may receive a North Carolina transfer and another 4A placer. While retuning Toby Wickenhofe and Jada Ross both state qualifiers.

Dutch Fork shall return with a solid prooven line-up. With the return of SQ Matt Firtko, Kyle Kimrey, TJ Selke, Nick Leone, and solid Eric Lambert who was a SQ in 2001. Also with the younger Selke brother who should make some noise at 103 this year they should be a sound team.

Stratford should also be a hard nosed team for 2003. With the return of Micheal Boyd and Caleb Capociamo who where state qualifiers and their 103 who should return Steven Peterson.

Teams that should be pretty good this year that are rebuilding or starting to get to the next level are Irmo and Battery Creek. Irmo returns Jamey Clark, Anthony Manross, and 2001 state qualifier Josh Trone. While Battery Creek returns Zach Johnson, Alvin Simmons, and Curtis Graham who are state qualifiers. While also a talented Kenny Brown comes back.

Other wrestlers who will make some noise in 2003, Chase Kellar of Sumter, Stryker Huffman(Ft.D), Patrick Hazel(Stratford), Randy Nazional(Ridge View), Mark Wojosoki(Irmo), **Killian Lane(Beaufort)(now noted to be wrestling in Massachusetts this year)**, and Aaron Greene of Beaufort.

Team Rankings (Lower State)

1. Summerville
2. Hilton Head
3. Dutch Fork
4. Stratford
5. Irmo