Rams looking to return to team playoffs
By DAN PALM
MVI Sports
Fourth-year Ringgold wrestling coach Todd Miller knows that half of the battle in team wrestling is to fill a lineup.
The Rams will do that this year.
Miller also knows that returning only seven starters makes his team very inexperienced. Nevertheless, he expects his team to take a step forward this season.
“In my previous three years we made it to the playoffs once but we lost in the wrestle-in match,” said Miller. “We’re hoping to get past that point this season.
“Traditionally, we’re a better individual team than a dual team. We have some kinks to work out with all of the new guys and we will have to see how much weight they can lose or gain.”
Ringgold’s lineup will revolve around four-year starter Jacob Duncan. He was 23-7 last year and will be penciled in at 160 pounds. He has 68 career wins and is within reach of the exclusive Century Club of 100 career wins.
“Jake’s career has had its ups and downs and he has to stay right mentally,” said Miller. “He has a lot of accolades within reach and is interested in wrestling at the next level. He’s good enough to compete at the highest level in the state. He just has to stay right mentally, physically and emotionally. That falls on me.”
Joining Duncan and returning to the Ringgold lineup are seniors Logan Vickers and Joe Black and sophomores Leslie Martinez, Frankie Grelo, Dante Compagni and Jake Frahlich.
Martinez (138 pounds), Vickers (152), Grelo (170) and Black (182) all seem to be set in their spots.
Compagni and Frahlich will compete for the heavyweight position.
As for the rest of the Rams lineup, there is a lot of competition with some spots are still up for grabs.
“We have to see how some of the new guys adjust to wrestling. We’re finally starting to pull some athletes out and I’m excited about some of them but I’m going to keep that to myself,” Miller said.
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