Wrestling Looks to Build on Record Season

East Jackson will begin its 2023-24 wrestling season on Saturday, Nov. 11, when it competes in the Panther Scramble at Jackson County High School. EJCHS will host its first set of matches on Nov. 17, and again on Nov. 29. 

East Jackson enters this season following the school’s best season in history of the program, which included a second-place finish at the Area Duals and a third-place finish at the Sectional Duals, becoming the first team in school-history to advance to the state dual competition. Ben Lampe was an individual state champion in the 150-pound weight class, while Charlie Wheeler and Avery Smith each placed third in the state in their respective weight classes. 

While coach Matthew Patton said this year’s weight classes are still being determined, the top returners this season include senior Charlie Wheeler (106 pounds), senior Craig Black (120 pounds), senior Avery Smith (126 pounds), sophomore Michael Kelleher (132 pounds), sophomore Evan Reed (138 pounds), sophomore Kole Smith (144 pounds), senior Tristan Pressley (157 pounds), junior Jazil Lester (165 pounds), sophomore Chase Wingfield (175 pounds), junior Quay Hill (190 pounds), and sophomore Matthew Streetman (285 pounds). 

Patton said the team has had a great offseason. He says there are some key freshman to watch this season, who include Isaac Robbins (106), Mason Smith (120), Ryan Lampe (138), Seanna McCarthy (110), Angel Rodriguez (113), Dario Ferizovic (165), Leighton Crow (165), Ethan Bielecki (190), and Emer Jacinto (215).

This upcoming season will be an exciting season for the East Jackson Wrestling Family. We have many starters returning and many very competitive incoming freshmen,” Patton said. “We had a great off season with many wrestlers competing in freestyle and placing in freestyle state, and winning a freestyle state championship. On top of traveling this summer, some of our guys came home with All-American Honors. 

“Our guys and girls are going to continue to work this season to be the best that we can be. It will take some time for our wrestlers to get in their desired weight classes but when everyone is where they need to be we will be very competitive.”