Commerce’s wrestling team has reason for optimism.
The Tigers have a number of returning starters and state tournament placers and qualifiers after last season’s fourth-place finish at the state tournament and a 21-3 dual record.
Coach Kendall Love said the team should be competitive as the grapplers get into their weight classes.
Leading the squad will be Doug Maloch, who won the state title at 112 pounds last February.
Also returning are Addison Davis, Thomas Sears, Casey Drinkard, Nick Arostegui, Phillip Edwards, Terrence Martin and Jon Cash, all of whom placed at state, along with Tyler Austin, Chase Bowen and Andrew Minish, each of whom qualified for and competed at state.
Many of the grapplers are coming to the mat straight from the football field, but Love is not worried.
“I have been pleased with the work ethic of the guys that are already out and practicing,” said Love. “The guys have been working hard so far.”
The Mat Tigers have approximately two weeks to prepare for the Jackson County Panther Invitational set for Dec. 5 and Dec. 6. After the opening invitational, Commerce will face Oglethorpe County, Newton, Stephens County, White County and Jackson County; along with competing in the Apalachee Invitational, Madison County duals and the Redskin duals before the start of the new year
