A-J wrestling will rely on underclassmen

The Anna-Jonesboro Community High School wrestling team will rely on underclassmen for success this season.

“We’ve got a lot of freshmen, so we’ve got a lot of learning to do,” first-year A-J wrestling coach Chase Hargrave said. “I think we’ll be a different team, but we’ll be competitive.”

Hargrave looks for improvement as the season progresses.

“I think we’ll be a much different team at the end of the year than at the start of the year,” Hargrave said. “I look for some freshmen and a couple of sophomores to move up and be leaders.”

Freshmen hopefuls are Brett Smith, 106 pounds; Nile Chotner, 120-126 pounds; T.J. Macy, 126-132 pounds; Caleb Mays, 132-138 pounds; Matteo Vaca Diez, 138 pounds; Brylen Suggs, 145 pounds; Rayshaun Cannon, 170 pounds; Liam Schroeder, 220 pounds; Kenny Rains, 106 pounds; and Tanner Steward, 126 pounds.

Sophomores on the squad are Arojae Hart, 113-120 pounds; Blake Mays, 126 pounds; and Barry Johnson, 152 pounds.

Seniors are Bryce Lingle, 160 pounds, and Tristen Dame, 220 pounds. Juniors are Amiyah Hart, 106-113 pounds; and David Kester, 120 pounds.

“We’re very solid in the lower weights,” Hargrave said. “Right now, we’re not filling 185-195 pounds.”

Hargrave says the team has the potential to advance some of its wrestlers to the state tournament.

“We have a chance to send some to state,” Hargrave said. “But I do think we’ll be a better tournament team than a dual team.”

Assistant coaches are Grover Mays and Sully Edwards.

The Wildcats open their season at home against Trico and Goreville on Tuesday, Nov. 26.